Emanuela Beretta
An unforgettable evening a memorable event for the La Scala Theatre.
Everything was ready for the concert organised to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini's death. The predominantly foreign audience seated in the auditorium is anxious, a slight delay at the start of the performance raises questions. Dominiqe Meyer, the Superintendent, enters the stage and announces that the ensemble conducted by Riccardo Chailly has been cancelled as the orchestra members have joined the general strike. But the good news is that there will be a concert with only singers Anna Netrebko, Mariangela Sicilia, Jonas Kaufmann and tenor Luciano Ganci accompanied on the piano by maestro James Vaughn. The programme will run through a roundup of Puccini arias from each of the Maestro's operas. Ovations for all and at the end of the performance a standing ovation never seen before at La Scala.
In short, an apotheosis, an unforgettable evening. And our thanks go to Dominique Mayer's courage, thank you Superintendent for a truly magnificent evening.
Photo mgp_photographer
