will Frenchman Dominique Meyer be reappointed while the Meloni government is pushing for an Italian?

The musicians of the Milan Scala Orchestra are demanding a two-year extension of Frenchman Dominique Meyer at the head of the establishment. But the Meloni government is leaning towards an Italian in the person of the director of Fenice, Fortunato Ortombina.

The Milan Scala Orchestra, conducted by Riccardo Chailly, requested on Monday a two-year extension of the contract of the director of the prestigious stage, the Frenchman Dominique Meyer, whose mandate expires in February 2025, against a backdrop of turmoil over his succession.

In a letter to the opera’s board of directors, the musicians want Mr. Meyer “can complete his mandate to the full extent of his functions“and manage”next season and the next“, the program of which has already been established.”In view of the difficulties encountered“during the coronavirus pandemic which disrupted the program, the musicians say”convinced that an extension of the mandate would make it possible to carry out a valuable artistic journey“.

Dominique Meyer, 68, arrived at the helm of La Scala in 2020, after having directed the Vienna Opera for ten years. Previously, he was notably director of the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris and the Lausanne Opera.

The Meloni government more favorable to Mr. Ortombina, director of Fenice

In a context of takeover of the public cultural service by the right-wing and far-right government of Giorgia Meloni, speculation is rife about Mr. Meyer’s succession.

At the end of a meeting at the beginning of March with the Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano, Giuseppe Sala, the mayor of Milan and president of the board of directors of La Scala, proposed Fortunato Ortombina, director of the Fenice of Venice, as successor to Mr. Meyer. Mr. Ortombina’s appointment should be submitted to a vote by La Scala’s board of directors scheduled for April 8.

Aged 63, he meets the criteria set by the Meloni government which wanted to see an Italian at the head of La Scala, after three foreign directors, and had set last May at 70 the age limit for directors of lyrical theaters.

Stéphane Lissner, the 71-year-old French director of the Naples Opera, who was forced to leave his position last June due to this measure, was able to return to his post after challenging it in court. According to this controversial decree, Dominique Meyer would reach the age limit in August 2025.