(Rome) Milan’s La Scala, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, named Italian Fortunato Ortombina as director on Tuesday, ending months of political controversy.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala made the announcement after the opera board finalized the appointment of Mr. Ortombina, who will take up his post at the famous “Teatro alla Scala” in September.
The new leader of La Scala, currently general director of the La Fenice opera in Venice, will succeed Frenchman Dominique Meyer, who has directed the Milan opera since 2020. Mr. Meyer will remain in his position until 1er August 2025, to act in the interim while Mr. Ortombina will act as “designated director” until he takes full office.
Mr Ortombina’s appointment comes as Italy’s far-right government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attempts to promote the appointment of Italian nationals to senior positions, favoring them over foreigners for major cultural posts.
PHOTO LUCA BRUNO, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Fortunato Ortombina, aged 63, had already been coordinator of the artistic direction of La Scala from 2003 to 2007, before becoming artistic director of La Fenice in Venice.
The Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, who has made the return of Italians at the head of the country’s main institutions one of his main priorities, welcomed this new appointment. “After three foreign general managers – Stéphane Lissner, Alexander Pereira and Dominique Meyer – an Italian returns to La Scala,” he said on Tuesday.
Dominique Meyer, 68, has gained widespread respect and recognition in Italy and abroad during his years at the helm of La Scala. His replacement comes against the backdrop of new rules introduced last year by the Meloni government, which set an age limit of 70 for the management of opera houses.
La Scala is no stranger to political debates. Last month, before the final performance of an opera-ballet telling a war story, La Scala principal dancer Roberto Bolle, director Meyer and other members of the dance company, orchestra and The stage crew lined up on stage under a large banner reading “Cease Fire” – a reference to the war in the Gaza Strip.