Bronchitis puts baritone Carlos Alvarez offside, who today will not take part in the premiere of Giuseppe Verdi's "Giovanna D'Arco" at La Scala in Milan. Due to the persistence of the indisposition, Carlos Alvarez is forced to give up the première”, explains a note from the Milanese theatre.
The 49-year-old artist from Malaga will be replaced by Devid Cecconi who has already performed in the general rehearsal and on the occasion of the preview of the work dedicated to young people. Both in the rehearsal on November 30th and in the preview on December 4th, Cecconi did not regret the absence of the Spanish baritone and was greatly appreciated, especially by the under 30 audience.
It will be the first time for the new theater director Riccardo Chailly who has guaranteed that it will be "a beautiful work". The opera by Giuseppe Verdi, written by the composer from Busseto in less than a month, was performed for the last time at La Scala in Milan 150 years ago.
It will be a first highly armored with about 700 men of the police to guard the area. To ensure maximum safety, the decision was also made to open the doors of the Scala in advance. In fact, at 17 pm, one hour before the start of the show, guests will be able to start gathering in the foyer. From late morning all access to the square in front of the theater will be blocked. But, apart from Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, it will be a first with very few state figures in the front row.
In fact, this year's premiere will also be remembered, in particular, for the absences in the audience. The President of the Republic Mattarella and the Presidents of the Chamber and Senate Boldrini and Grasso will not be there. Gabriele Salvatores, Patti Smith , the ministers Dario Franceschini and Graziano Delrio and obviously the mayor of Milan Giuliano Pisapia.
It is expected to be sold out in view of tonight's premiere. At 10,30 today on the theater foundation's website, just another 25 tickets were available with prices ranging from 600 (only one seat for the Palco IV ord. Sin. sector) to 2400 euros. Those who cannot afford the chance to see today's premiere of La Scala live have the opportunity to watch the opera live by tuning in from 17,30 pm on the Rai 5 channel.
