The impressario Dominique Meyer began his tenure as artistic director of La Scala in Milan just as the corona pandemic was breaking out in Europe. He spoke with us about the logistical challenges and rewards of steering Italy’s iconic opera house through the crisis and what lies on the horizon as live events return under more normal circumstances.

*2:09 – [musical excerpt: Verdi’s Requiem, Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala, Riccardo Chailly] – on taking over La Scala during the first lockdown.

*4:24 – striking an agreement with the union

*7:03 – [musical excerpt: Verdi’s Aida, Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala, Riccardo

Chailly] – resuming activities without an audience.

*12:04 – [musical excerpt: Verdi’s Requiem Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala, Riccardo Chailly] – the commitment of La Scala’s staff to revitalizing the house.

This interview was originally conducted for the International New York Times Musical excerpts provided courtesy of La Scala

Intro and outro composed by Miguel Kertsman