Theatre "La Scala"
It was Maria Teresa of Austria who sponsored the creation of the "Teatro alla Scala", the most famous opera theatre in Europe, inaugurated on August 3, 1778.
The theatre received its name from the nearby Church of Santa María della Scala.
In the nineteenth century it was already a famous theatre. The most famous lyric singers of different periods such as María Callas, Enrico Caruso or Luciano Pavarotti have played at “La Scala”.
For composers, such as Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini or Gioachino Rossini, presenting their works at “La Scala” meant their consecration.
The director Arturo Toscanini played a special role in the transformation of La Scala, introducing "modern" standards such as the prohibition to enter the hall after the third ringing of the bell. He also created the pit for the orchestra. Until then the orchestra was located at the same level of the hall.
As it was the case with many other theatres, “La Scala” has suffered several fires due to the winter heating system used. The theatre has been the subject of several reconstructions, being the last one in 2004.
During this last reconstruction the most modern technologies available were used; Acoustic and scenic towers were built, 3 kilometres of red fabric were used for the decoration of lodges and balconies, during the performances the text of the dialogues is now displayed in several languages, etc.
Its technical facilities are at the vanguard and its acoustic is considered by specialists as the best in the world.
The world of La Scala theatre is not just limited to operas and concerts, actors and composers. It is an epicentre for the propagation of culture with important initiatives of cultural diffusion and sponsoring
You can get acquainted with the history of “La Scala” by participating in a guided tour of Milan. Also, as a complement to an excursion through Milan, you can visit the museum of La Scala which is next to the theatre itself.
