La Scala prepares a double-exit strategy
OperaThe board of La Scala, chaired by the Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala, agreed last night to offer a one-year extension to Sovrintendente Dominique Meyer and chief conductor Riccardo Chailly, taking them to February 2026.
From that point on they would like to instal Fortunato Ortombina as the next general director, probably with Daniele Gatti as music director.
Gatti will be in the house this month, conducting Mahler’s ninth symphony.
The orchestra recently expressed its support for Meyer and Chailly.
Also in the house is Michele Mariotti, another musicians’ favourite.
Things are starting to warm up.
Billy: ‘I think they should make sure to keep maestro Chailly at all costs. He’s the best in Italian opera. He even resembles Verdi.’
are you joking? he was boring and should retire now
Muti is the best in Italian opera. Chailly is #2. Hope a U.S. orchestra or opera will sign him up subito.
Okay I’m confused. Did I know just read somewhere that the orchestra was against Chailly? Where did I see that?
Michele Mariotti, obviously.
The Scala should seriously consider Mäkelä or Mirga.
Gatti is too old and has been accused of abuse of power.
joking? Klaus is fabulous but not for opera, Gatti is awful but Mariotti a good choice
Sorry, forgot to suggest the Dude.
I hope that Chailly will be celebrated as as he deserves during the last season, with a big final at the Duomo. After that it will be very very difficult for Gatti…
February 2026… It’s the Olympics at Milano…. For the opening ceremony…. Think about Chailly.
Gatti has a 6 year contract as Chef of Staatskapelle Dresden succeeding Thielemann from September 24 on.
So? Dresden has 12 concert weeks per season. Of which he wouldn’t barely do half. Plus some opera. Plenty of time for Gatti to work elsewhere.
Mariotti should be an absolute shoo-in; outstanding conductor and musician. Thoroughly lovely human being too! And that’s in an Italian market that is brimming with fabulous conductors, Battistoni the next to surely hit the very highs.
I don’t know what it’s like to work with Chailly, but he’s a conductor who makes a difference. In a profession where we’re often obliged to paddle in mediocrity, shouldn’t that be something to celebrate?
Gatti is with Dresden. Maybe another symphony orchestra, but too difficult for having an opera company (especially within Europe). Kent Nagano was unable to do this when he was with Bayerische Staatsoper.
Gatti!? After Muti, Barenboim and Chailly!?
His appointment would be a catastrophic damage for la Scala’s international reputation.
There should be no room for these people in the classical world.
His slimy past is not forgotten!
La Scala needs a new era that will certainly not begin with Gatti, Who will be old and with a very problematic past for the greatest Opera House in the World.
Sponsorships are sensitive to the abuse matter.
On top of that his Verdi has always been mediocre at best.
I have heard very poor performances under his baton both in Milan and Rome.
There is plenty of choice among the new generation.
Be wise and look forward!
I just read that the Minister of Culture is likely not going to approve the contract extension
Cleveland is looking for a music director. Chailly has made solid recordings with them a long time ago. If only they could get him!
Go for Antonio Pappano! Truly a great conductor and artist!
Why is Luisi – one of the finest opera conductors around, not only in Italian repertoire – never mentioned when it comes to the Italian opera flagship? Is he not interested? Firenze tired him of the usual Italian professional quagmire?