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Based on a play by German writer Friedrich Schiller, the opera
tells the story of Philip II, 16th century king of Spain, and
his son Don Carlo who both want to marry the same woman --
Elisabeth of Valois.
The three-hour opera also takes place against the backdrop of
the oppression of the Netherlands by the Catholic Philip II, and
its Spanish director Lluis Pasqual draws parallels with modern
times.
"Human beings invented two horrible things: religion and
nationalism," said Pasqual.
The opening night is a highlight of the calendar for the
country's business and political elite, coinciding with the
city's Feast of St. Ambrose holiday.
It comes the day after Italian opera singing was honored by
being added to the United Nations' cultural heritage list.
However, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who usually
attends the first night, will not be at the theatre.
"He promised me he will not miss next year," artistic director
Dominique Meyer said last week. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia
Meloni will also skip the event after going last year shortly
after taking office.
Meyer's future will be decided in the next few months, with his
contract up in 2025.
"I'm at La Scala's disposal, I love this theatre and I believe
we have done a good job, so fingers crossed," the Frenchman told
journalists when asked if he wanted to stay on.
Conductor Riccardo Chailly has chosen a version of Verdi's work
expressly composed for La Scala in 1884.
Italian bass Michele Pertusi plays Philip II, Russian soprano
Anna Netrebko takes the role of his wife, Elisabeth of Valois,
while tenor Francesco Meli stars as the king's son."Don Carlo is
Verdi's Holy Bible," said Chailly describing the work as the
most important in the composer's life.
(Editing by Keith Weir)
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