At 8 p.m., at the Teatro alla Scala:

WERTHER, by J. Massenet

Orchestra and chorus of the Teatro alla Scala

Alain Altinoglu: Musical direction

Christof Loy: Director

Benjamin Bernheim: Werther

Jean-Sébastien Bou: Albert

Armando Noguera: The Bailiff

Rodolphe Briand: Schmidt

Victoria Karkacheva: Charlotte

In recent years, we have not witnessed a rediscovery of Massenet’s operas (because Werther never left the stage) but a real reappreciation of the French composer’s music. Among Massenet’s gems is undoubtedly this Werther adapted from Goethe’s novel. However, there had not been a performance of the opera at La Scala since 1980 with the pair Georges Prêtre in the pit and Alfredo Kraus in the title role.

For his great return to the Scaligere stage, we find equally admirable performers, since conductor Alain Altinoglu (current musical director at La Monnaie in Brussels) and tenor Benjamin Bernheim team up for an exceptional evening. With his sunny voice, the Franco-Swiss tenor has shown that he belongs to the greatest singers in the history of French opera. Equally brilliant, Jean-Sébastien Bou‘s Albert and Victoria Karkacheva‘s Charlotte are moving partners. Hailed in Paris, London and Salzburg, director Christof Loy has created shows of great intelligence.

À 20h, au Teatro alla Scala :

TURANDOT, by G. Puccini

Orchestra and chorus of the Teatro alla Scala

Daniel Harding: Conductor

David Livermore: Director

Anna Netrebko: Princess Turandot

Raúl Giménez: Emperor Altoum

Vitalij Kowaljow: Timur

Yusif Eyvazov: The Unknown Prince

Rosa Feola: Liù

In 2024, we celebrate the centenary of Puccini’s death. For opera lovers, this date is all the more moving as the Italian composer was unable to complete the last scene of his opera Turandot before he died. Although the work was premiered in 1926 at La Scala, what a pleasure it was to find a new production of this masterpiece with its lush orchestration and sumptuous arias! Turandot will be performed here with the final scene recomposed by Franco Alfano.

Recently appointed conductor of the Santa Cecilia Academy Orchestra, British conductor Daniel Harding will be keen to show his links with the music of his new adopted country. In the past, Davide Livermore (a regular guest on La Scala) has shown how much he knows how to combine visual splendour and theatrical precision on the Scaligerian stage. In the title roles, Anna Netrebko as the Empress and Yusif Eyvazov show the same understanding and musicality on stage as in the city. Rosa Feola’s Liù completes a flawless cast.

At 8 p.m., at the Teatro alla Scala:

CONCERT LES ARTS FLORISSANTS

William Christie: Conductor

Mourad Merzouki : Director

This new production of Purcell’s masterpiece The Fairy Queen is all about youth and dance. Inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the opera draws from Shakespeare’s comedy the material for a fairytale fable, which more than 300 years after its creation never ceases to amaze. First performed in London in 1692, just three years before Purcell’s untimely death at the age of 35, The Fairy Queen features some of the most beautiful arias ever composed by the British composer, such as the poignant “O let me weep”.

Led by its legendary founder William Christie, the baroque ensemble Les Arts Florissants presents a show directed by choreographer Mourad Merzouki. The same youth and brilliance can be found in the cast, which includes eight solo voices, members of the Jardin des Voix, the prestigious academy for young singers of Les Arts Florissants.