Exclusive: La Scala instals woman concertmaster
mainThis morning, Laura Marzadori completed her probationary six months at La Scala and was confirmed as the new concertmaster – a post she will share with Francesco Manara and Francesco de Angelis.
Laura, who studied in Bologna and Cremona, is just 26.
She is not the first woman in the front seat. That glass ceiling was shattered in the late 1970s by the Argentine-Italian violinist Anahi Carfi, who was briefly married to the conductor Riccardo Chailly and left in the 1980s.
Watched her from my box at La Scala on Tuesday (Turandot) – excellent player and seemingly very good choice. A superb Turandot (ending by Berio). Chailly absolutely magnificent. The orchestra sounded wonderful, and I’m used to the very best (Met Orchestra).
Best of all was the debut as Calaf of Stefano la Colla a last minute substitute for the ailing Antonenko. This turned out to be a bit like sending on Lionel Messi as a last minute substitute as he was absolutely spectacular and was greeted with huge cheers after both Acts 2 and 3.
If Mr. Gelb reads this (or anyone at the Met – and let’s face it, this blog isn’t exactly comfortable reading for Met Opera management) – redeem yourselves and hire Stefano la Colla immediately. Don’t care what for – Pinkerton, Cavaradossi or Calaf. A sensation. If you thought Licitra was good, then get Signor la Colla!