Opera premiere canceled
The premiere of Faust by Gounod at La Scala, originally set for October 20, has been canceled due to a labor dispute. The theater stated that the conditions required to stage the new production, directed by Johannes Erath and conducted by Daniele Rustioni, were not met.Cast members prepared for role
Vittorio Grigolo and Julien Dran were scheduled to share the title role, with Marina Rebeka and Ekaterina Bakanova performing as Marguerite, opposite Alex Esposito as Méphistophélès. These performers had been preparing for the production, which was expected to be a significant event for the theater.Striking workers gather outside
Musicians and choristers on strike gathered outside La Scala, singing "Va, pensiero" from Verdi's Nabucco, followed by "Bella ciao," "Libertango" by Piazzolla, and "Fischia il vento," a song from Italy's resistance movement. Dancers also joined the demonstration, performing some steps in front of the theater's entrance.Dispute over wages and contract
The dispute centers on the renewal of the collective contract. Unions are demanding a 15% increase in annual gross wages to compensate for inflation. The theater's management estimates this would cost an additional 37 million euros over three years, a sum they consider unsustainable.Rescheduling and ongoing concerns
The performance of Faust has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m., and tickets for the October 20 performance will be refunded. However, the strike may continue, threatening the upcoming performance of Verdi's Requiem conducted by Riccardo Chailly on October 28 and the premiere of a choreographic program featuring Balanchine, Bausch, and Stravinsky on November 7.Striking workers demand fair pay
In Milan, the striking workers sang Verdi's music to demand their due. It remains to be seen when they will be able to perform it again on stage.
