The opening night of La Scala in Milan (7 December) is eagerly awaited by music-lovers everywhere. EBU Member RAI is offering this event to all Euroradio broadcasters for live or deferred transmission. 

Even by La Scala standards, this year’s opening must rate as exceptional since it will feature the revival of Verdi’s “Giovanna d’Arco” (Joan of Arc), which premiered at the theatre in 1845 and has not been heard there in 150 years. Then there is the stellar cast: the Russian diva Anna Netrebko in the title role, flanked by baritone Devid Cecconi and tenor Francesco Meli. The new production by the Belgian tandem of Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier, with its stunning sets and artistic stage direction, is sure to catch the eye of the audience and critics alike.

This performance also marks the first time that Riccardo Chailly will be on the podium for La Scala’s opening night as its Music Director. In an interview, he said that the revival of “Giovanna d’Arco” responded to two key criteria: La Scala’s continuing quest to reacquaint Milan music-lovers with works by major composers that originally premiered there; and the opera’s exceptional musical value, served here by a top-class cast.

La Scala’s Music Director, Riccardo Chailly, talks about the reasons behind the opera house’s revival of Verdi’s « Giovanna d’Arco » a century and a half after its last performance there:

For those wondering why La Scala opens its season each year on the same date, the answer is simple: 7 December is the feast day of Milan’s patron saint, Ambrose (ca 340-397), who served as the city’s bishop from 370 until his death. Tradition assigns him a leading role in the development of early Church music, and Ambrosian chant is still part of the liturgy at the city’s enormous cathedral, the Duomo, just a short distance away from La Scala.

Live stream available on RAI website at 17:00 GMT (click on "Ascolta in Diretta")

“Giovanna d’Arco” will be transmitted by the following Euroradio Active and Associate Members: