La Scala
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The Theatre alla Scala, often called simply La Scala, was built after the fire that in 1776 destroyed the Teatro Regio Ducal, ancient seat of the opera shows in Milan. Today it is located in an elegant public square, from which it takes the name, Piazza della Scala: as well the name of the square comes from the gothic church of Santa Maria della Scala, now no more existing as it was demolished in order to have place to built the theatre.
La Scala was bombed during World War II, enduring serious damages. The building was quickly rebuilt as it was before the war, and it reopened on 11 May 1946, with a memorable concert conducted by Arturo Toscanini.
The interior is illuminated by the huge chandelier with nearly 400 light bulbs, realized in crystal blown by the craftsmen of Venice.
La Scala is considered the temple of the opera: here the greatest lyric artists have sung, among which Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Montserrat Caballé, José Carreras; among the orchestra's conductors we remember Herbert von Karajan, Zubin Mehta, Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Muti.
The season opens every year on December 7th, day of Sant'Ambrogio, patron saint of Milan; every year there are approximately 200 shows.
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