How to silence the gods? An operatic masterpiece by Verdi | World news | The Guardian

Alexander Pereira, La Scala’s new general manager, is confident that a rarely seen major work by Verdi will silence his traditionalist critics

The general manager of La Scala has said he is confident that a rarely seen operatic masterpiece by Verdi can silence the hecklers he has sought to banish, as the world’s most famous opera house readies for its celebrated gala, the first night of the season.

Before taking the reins at the Milan theatre last year, Alexander Pereira did not hold back in his disdain for the so-called loggionisti, whose traditionalist scruples and booing have seen a string of performers vow to never return.

“I have at my [disposal] the best [singers] but many do not want to perform on the stage at La Scala because they are intimidated, if not frightened to death,” he lamented. “We can no longer allow this.”

Having completed his first – successful – season at La Scala, Pereira has said he will not be put off by the merciless traditionalists who often make their voices heard from the gods on the first night of big productions, such as Monday night’s upcoming performance of Verdi’s Joan of Arc (Giovanna d’Arco).

“You are always concerned that it might happen, but the concern doesn’t hold you back from doing what you think is right,” he told the Guardian. “I think this is an interesting production and I think it is an important contribution by La Scala to a major work by Verdi which is practically never done.”