ROME (AP) 鈥 Milan's La Scala, one of the world鈥檚 most prestigious and historic opera houses, on Tuesday named Fortunato Ortombina as its new director, ending months of political controversy. He will step into the post in September at the famed Teatro alla Scala.
The city's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, made the announcement after the opera house鈥檚 board of directors finalized Ortombina鈥檚 appointment.
La Scala鈥檚 new leader, currently the general manager at Venice鈥檚 opera house La Fenice, takes over from Dominque Meyer, who has been at the helm of Milan鈥檚 opera since 2020. Meyer will remain in his current position until Aug. 1, 2025, while Ortombina will act as the director-designate until fully taking over.
Ortombina鈥檚 appointment comes as Italy鈥檚 far-right government of Premier is trying to promote Italian nationals for leadership positions, favoring them over foreigners for major cultural posts.
Ortombina, 63, had already served as coordinator of La Scala's artistic direction from 2003-2007, before becoming the artistic director at La Fenice.
Italy's Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano 鈥 who has made bringing Italians back at the helm of the country鈥檚 main institutions one of his top priorities 鈥 hailed the new appointment.
鈥淎fter three foreign general directors, St茅phane Lissner, Alexander Pereira and Dominique Meyer, an Italian returns to La Scala,鈥 he said Tuesday.
鈥淲e have done everything for the good of La Scala, for dignity and fairness,鈥 said Sala, the mayor, explaining that Meyer鈥檚 contract will be partially extended to ensure a soft transition.
Meyer, 68, has earned wide respect and recognition in Italy and abroad, over his years at the helm of La Scala. His replacement comes against the backdrop of new rules introduced last year by Meloni's government, which set an age limit of 70 for opera directors.
La Scala is no stranger to political issues. Last month, ahead of the final performance of an opera-ballet set in conflict, La Scala鈥檚 principal dancer Roberto Bolle, Meyer and other members of the dance company, orchestra and stage crew lined up on the stage under a large banner inscribed with 鈥淐ease fire" 鈥 a reference to the .
