The controversial season premiere of Milan Opera house La Scala’s 2022-23 season began and ended with thunderous applause ― a five minute standing ovation for President Sergio Mattarella before the performance, and 13-minutes of clapping for the conductor and cast at its denouement.
In spite of this year’s edition of this esteemed event in the Italian calendar occurring against the backdrop of the protest chants of Ukrainian groups and climate activists out in the main piazza, inside the ornate and opulent theatre, the evening was kicked off by clamour of a different lilt; that of the entire audience on their feet, cheering.
A long ovation lasting no less than five minutes welcomed the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, as the opening night of the opera season at La Scala began with Modest Musorgsky's Boris Godunov, conducted by maestro Riccardo Chailly. The performance was directed by Kasper Holten, and starred Russian bass Ildar Abdrazakov, who is already being lavished with rave reviews.
The president, accompanied by his daughter Laura, was welcomed by Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, Lombardy Governor Attilio Fontana and Superintendent Dominique Meyer.
The royal box boasted an array of Italian dignitaries and political elites, including President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, as well as the President of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
"You know my position on the conflict in Ukraine, but I think culture is something else, and I think we should not make the mistake of mixing up aspects that are different," Meloni said, responding to a question regarding the controversy over the choice of a Russian title to open the season at La Scala.
"We do not hold it against the Russian people, against Russian history, we hold it against the choices of those who politically decided to invade a sovereign nation. It is a different thing, in my opinion it is right to keep the two dimensions separate," reiterated the Prime Minister whilst being photographed on the event’s red carpet in a navy blue velvet Armani gown.
Also among the special guests were ministers Gennaro Sangiuliano, Anna Maria Bernini, Adolfo Urso and Elisabetta Casellati.
The theatre's royal box was exceptionally crowded this year, with Italy's newly elected government team demonstrating their willingness to attend as never before.
