It was the Boris Godunov by Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky the work chosen for the most important theatrical event of the year, the Prima della Scala. Live from maestro and musical director of the Milanese theatre Riccardo Chailly, the Russian opera was a success, with thirteen minutes of consecutive applause after the curtain closed. A triumph that also served to eliminate the controversy over the choice of a Russian artistic work as the opening of the Verona season. Choice already widely claimed by the musical director of La Scala: «the Boris Godunov it is an absolute masterpiece, to be considered a World Heritage Site. It is true that for nine months we have been spectators of a painful war, but music must enjoy absolute freedom». On the subject, too the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen he expressed his opinion clearly: «I think Russian composers like Musorgsky or Tchaikovsky are fantastic, as well as Tolstoy or Dostoevsky», he commented. “We shouldn’t let Putin destroy this amazing country.”
The Royal Box
The evening was not only Chailly’s stage: as always, the Premiere of the Scala was the red carpet of the Italy that counts, with a royal box more crowded and kept in sight than usual, also due to the debut in that seat of the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In Giorgio Armani long dress in dark blue velvet with cross on the frontGiorgia Meloni arrived at the theater smiling, accompanied by her companion Andrea Giambruno for what she called “a beautiful new experience”. Meloni also defended the choice of a Russian opera for La Scala’s season opener: “We are not angry with the Russian people, with Russian history,” commented the president. «We are angry with the choices of those who have politically decided to invade a sovereign nation. It’s a different thing, in my opinion it’s right to keep the two dimensions separate».
Together with her, on the institutional stage, there were also the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen – also in a long blue dress -, the president of the Senate Ignazio La Russa, the mayor of Milan Beppe Sala and the outgoing president of Lombardy Attilio Fontana, in addition of course to President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, who was greeted by a very long applause from the public, which lasted about five minutes. Already last year, President Mattarella had been acclaimed by the public, who asked his second term as a theatrical encore. «Last year’s wish has come true», commented Maestro Chailly on meeting him. «He has returned to Milan, to La Scala which welcomed him with the usual affection».
The royal box, where “two of the most powerful women in the world” sat (as Mayor Sala pointed out), first witnessed Mameli’s Hymn, then Beethoven’s Ode to Joy and finally the work chosen for the first.
The work, which recounts the tormented drama of Boris Godunov, who became tsar of all Russia but was unable to give stability and prosperity to the country, was staged under the direction of Kasper Holten and a cast of extraordinary performers, led by the great protagonist Ildar Abdrazakov, acclaimed by audiences and critics.
Those present at the Premiere
Many famous personalities from music and politics were present in the audience: among them, particular attention was attracted the Iranian tenor Ramtin Ghazavi, who has interpreted the protests that his country is experiencing by wearing a white T-shirt with the words “Women, Life, Freedom” under his elegant dark suit.
Extremely beautiful Alessandra Mastronardi in a low-cut black dress by Armani Privé. Armani also dressed Rocio Munoz Moraleswith a charming dress of great originality and Anna Olkhovay, dancer and choreographer, with a wonderful velvet dress. Elegantly classic, in coordinated Dolce & Gabbana, Stefano Accorsi and Bianca Vitali. D&G is also the signature chosen by the dancer Roberto Bolle, who chose a long cape to cover his tuxedo. Also present at the evening, among others, was the senator Liliana Segre, the Minister of Reforms Maria Elisabetta Casellati, the Minister of Culture Giuliano Sangiuliano. On the other hand, the two candidates for the presidency of the Lombardy Region were largely absent Letizia Moratti, who attended the Premiere broadcast in San Vittore together with the Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio e Pierfrancesco Majorinoengaged in the electoral campaign in Mantua.
For all fans, the Boris Godunov with which the Teatro della Scala opened its opera season is now available for viewing on Raiplay.
More stories from Vanity Fair that may interest you:
The stage full of presidents at the Prima della Scala
Sant’Ambrogio, the story of the patron saint of Milan and of the Prima della Scala
The premiere at La Scala: the looks of the guests of the most glamorous evening of the year
Source: Vanity Fair
I’m Susan Karen, a professional writer and editor at World Stock Market. I specialize in Entertainment news, writing stories that keep readers informed on all the latest developments in the industry. With over five years of experience in creating engaging content and copywriting for various media outlets, I have grown to become an invaluable asset to any team.
