The opera house usually known as La Scala, Milan, is actually called Teatre alla Scala. It was built in 1778 and named after Regina della Scala, wife of the Duke Barnabo Visconti of Milan. For today's singers, success or failure in Milan invariably makes news in the operatic world.
The house is particularly associated with the great eighteenth and nineteenth century Italian composers. Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi and Puccini wrote especially for it. Norma, Otello, Falstaff, Madama Butterfly and Turandot all premièred there.
Between 1898 and 1903, under the direction of Toscanini, Wagner's works were brought into the repertoire. Toscanini was also responsible for famous productions of Falstaff, Boris Gudunov, Rigoletto and Lucia di Lammermoor.
Under the political regime of Mussolini attempts were made to increase the importance of Rome Opera. However, La Scala continued to set a standard. Bombed out in August 1943, it had been rebuilt to seat 3,600 by May 1946. In appearance it remains largely as it was in the eighteenth century.
From 1952 to 1958 Maria Callas was associated with the house. Productions created for her by the director, Luchino Visconti, are still revived around the world today.
In December 1955 a chamber theatre was built within the building. Called La Piccola Scala, it seats 600 and is dedicated to works by modern composers.
Between 1971 and 1980 the artistic director at La Scala was Claudio Abbado, who remained chief conductor until 1986., when Riccardo Muti took over.
