The general manager of Milan’s Teatro alla Scala bid a bittersweet farewell during the presentation of the 2024-25 season, expressing his desire to continue in his role. Dominique Meyer, a Frenchman, will be concluding his contract at the end of February after being limited to one term by Italy’s far-right-led government, which aims to prioritize Italians in leadership positions at cultural institutions. Meyer will be succeeded by Fortunato Ortombina, currently from Venice’s La Fenice theater, who will officially take over in September after meeting with Milan’s mayor.
Meyer’s final gala premiere will feature Verdi’s “The Force of Destiny” with renowned performers Anna Netrebko and Jonas Kaufmann on December 7. The upcoming season will also include the world premiere of “In the Name of the Rose,” an opera based on Umberto Eco’s novel, commissioned by La Scala and the Paris Opera. Meyer emphasized the importance of stability in leadership, hinting at the challenges of managing a theater amidst changing mandates.
