Bittersweet farewell for La Scala's French manager as Italians take over
- La Scala's French manager bids farewell during the presentation of 2024-25 season.
- He leaves the theater financially fit as he expresses his willingness to continue.
- The Meloni government turns to Italians as a new chapter begins for La Scala.
Milan's famous Teatro alla Scala theater said goodbye to its general manager during the presentation of the 2024-25 season. Dominique Meyer, a Frenchman, will finish his contract in February. The Italian government limited him to one term to give Italians more opportunities in cultural institutions. The new general manager is Fortunato Ortombina, who will start in September after meeting with Milan's mayor. Ortombina comes from Venice's La Fenice theater and will work with Meyer initially. Meyer's final premiere will be Verdi's "The Force of Destiny" on December 7, featuring Anna Netrebko and Jonas Kaufmann. The upcoming season includes a world premiere of "In the Name of the Rose," an opera based on Umberto Eco's novel. Meyer mentioned that creating a new opera takes time, longer than a theater director's term. He emphasized the importance of stability in the theater. Meyer has been asked to stay until August 2025, following a new rule that opera directors must retire at 70. He has not confirmed if he will accept the extension. During his tenure, Meyer increased sponsor contributions and daily box office revenue. He leaves La Scala with 132.7 million euros in cash, a significant increase from 2018.