MILAN (AP) — Guests for La Scala’s gala season premiere of Verdi’s “Giovanna d’Arco” (“Joan of Arc”) on Monday evening will pass through metal detectors for the first time under enhanced security measures put in place in the wake of the Paris attacks and after the Milanese opera house was identified as a potential target.
Hundreds of police are being deployed, creating a large cordon around the theater for the event, one of the most important dates on the European cultural calendar. Guests for the gala include leading figures of politics, business and culture.
Milan Mayor Giuliano Pisapia told reporters that “every necessary and indispensable measure” has been taken.
Riccardo Chailly is conducting the rarely performed “Giovanna d’Arco,” which hasn’t been staged at La Scala, where it premiered in 1845, in 150 years.
Russian soprano Anna Netrebko sings the title role alongside tenor Franceso Meli as Charles VII, reprising roles they sang together in Salzburg two years ago. Baritone Carlos Alvarez won’t sing the role of Giovanna’s father Giacomo as scheduled, due to illness, and will be substituted by Devid Cecconi.
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