Inaugurated on August 3, 1778, the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy, is one of the world´s most famous opera temples. Its seasons are unsurpassed, and many fans come from every corner of the world to enjoy its extraordinary operatic productions.
Following, we present two of the most anticipated productions for the new season of the Teatro alla Scala: Aida and Carmen.
«Aida» by Giuseppe Verdi
DATES: February 15, 18, 21 and 24, and March 1, 11, 14 and 15, 2015
One of the best-known operas by Giuseppe Verdi takes us to Egypt of the Pharaohs to tell the story of an impossible love. The military commander Radames, his inner struggle between his feelings for an Ethiopian slave named Aida, and his loyalty to the Pharaoh are at the center of this story. To complicate the plot, the Pharaoh’s daughter, Amneris, is in love with Radames, although he does not love her. During the war, the Ethiopians are defeated by Radames, and Aida‘s father —the king— is captured and imprisoned in Egypt. Aida takes advantage of the love the commander professes for her and forces him to betray his people. Radames, tormented by guilt, surrenders and is condemned to be buried alive. In the underground, Aida dies in the arms of her lover. Amneris, helpless and deeply pained, implores the goddess Isis for her beloved Radames to rest in peace, not knowing that Aida will accompany him forever in his grave. This house production at La Scala of Milan is directed by Zubin Mehta, with the extraordinary scenery of Peter Stein and lavish costumes designed by Nanà Cecchi. Leading the lyrical cast are Kristin Lewis, Anita Rachvelishvili, Fabio Sartori and Carlo Colombara.
«Carmen» by Georges Bizet
DATES: March 22, 24 and 28, and June 4, 6, 9, 13 and 16 2015
Carmen, the famous French opera in four acts with music by Georges Bizet and an original libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, is based on the eponymous novel by Prosper Mérimée. The action takes place in the early 19th century in the picturesque city of Seville, where a temperamental, young and incredibly sensuous woman named Carmen is involved in a brawl with one of her co-workers in the cigar factory where she works. The sergeant Don José stops the fight, and because he is in love with Carmen, he lets her go. The couple flees to the mountains and joins a band of smugglers. Then appears Escamillo, a famous bullfighter who conquers Carmen´s heart. Don José tries to regain her love but sadly fails. The opera ends in tragedy on the same afternoon that Escamillo triumphs in the bullring at the Maestranza Stadium in Seville. Directed by Massimo Zanetti with mise en scène by Emma Dante and Richard Peduzzi, the opera´s central roles are played by singers Elina Garanca, Anita Rachvelishvili, Elena Moşuc, Nino Machaidze, José Cura, Francesco Meli and Artur Ruciński among other artists. ■
