6 Stars To See At The Teatro Alla Scala 2017-18 Season

By Francisco Salazar

The Teatro alla Scala has a very exciting season full of surprising works. But of course, at the end of the day, the most exciting thing about the new season is the star casting. These six stars in particular should not be missed, as some are making important role debuts while others are announcing themselves in new repertoire.

Ailyn Pérez

For years Ailyn Pérez has dominated the roles of Mimì and Violetta and has slowly moved into heavier works with great care for her lyric voice. As she enters new territory such as the Metropolitan Opera’s “Thaïs,” her assignment as Elvira in “Ernani” should be something to look forward to as a showcase not only for her coloratura and lyrical voice, but also for her dramatic powers.

Rene Barbera 

This past fall Barbera made an acclaimed debut at the Metropolitan Opera in Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri.” His performance showed a rising star in the making and established Barbera as one to watch. As Ernesto in Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale,” Barbera will demonstrate both his virtuosic strengths and his lyrical side, which is the part of the voice that will truly be exciting in the future.

Sonya Yoncheva

Last season Sonya Yoncheva impressed audiences when she took on Bellini’s “Norma.” The results were splendid and a sign of tremendous vocal potential. This year at La Scala the rising star takes on Imogene, a role that is now legendary thanks to Maria Callas and other major singers. With “Il Pirata,” Yoncheva continues to showcase her versatility and to proceed into prima donna assoluta territory.

Anna Netrebko

It’s been years since Anna Netrebko first sang “La Mamma Morta,” and ever since then, audiences and fans have been looking forward to hearing the complete role of Maddalena. In December, Netrebko will finally make her role debut in her third major verismo work. She has previously sung Mimì in “La Bohème,” but it was “Manon Lescaut” that signaled a major switch in her voice and really showed audiences her dramatic ability. For those not at La Scala, the opera opens the season and will be streamed in movie theaters and on TV.

Juan Diego Flórez

Flórez has been a major at La Scala for years; this time he switches gears from the Bel Canto to the early classical composers. The Peruvian tenor brings his acclaimed Orphée to the legendary theater after having garnered universal acclaim at the Royal Opera House. This is a performance not to be missed and one that will astound audiences.

Eva Mei 

Mei’s lyric voice has been seducing European audiences for many years, and she has long been recognized for her Bel Canto queens and heroines; but next season she’ll be seen in something a bit different. Mei will bring her interpretation of Rosalinde to La Scala in “Die Fledermaus,” and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see her in a different facet of her career.

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