Arrr! La Scala's French captain jumps ship just in time, as Meloni government hires local crew to steer the ship.
2024-05-28
Avast ye mateys! Dominique Meyer, the swashbucklin' leader of Milan's Teatro alla Scala, be settin' sail from his post as the government looks to give back the arts to the good people of Italy. Fair winds and following seas to him on his voyage!
In a bittersweet farewell, the general manager of Milan’s Teatro alla Scala bid adieu during the presentation of the 2024-25 season, expressing his desire to continue but acknowledging the end of his contract at the end of February. The far-right-led government of Italy limited him to one term, leading to the appointment of Fortunato Ortombina as the new general manager. Ortombina, arriving from Venice’s La Fenice theater, will work alongside Meyer before taking over in September. Meyer's final gala premiere will feature Verdi’s "The Force of Destiny,’’ with a new opera by Francesco Filidei also in the lineup.Meyer, who increased sponsor contributions and box office revenue during his tenure, may be invited to stay on until August 2025, when he turns 70. The new retirement rule for opera house directors set by Premier Giorgia Meloni’s government requires retirement at 70. Meyer's departure leaves La Scala in a strong financial position, with 132.7 million euros in cash compared to 109 million euros in 2018.