About Us

The Bolshoi’s cooperation project with La Scala continues, one of the key points of which is cultural exchange between the two Companies. The Bolshoi started off the exchange: In May 2007, the Ballet Company gave a season in Milan, its first after an interval of thirty years; this was followed, in January 2008, by a Bolshoi Orchestra and Chorus tour; and, in July 2009, the Bolshoi Opera Company appeared at La Scala, its first season there in twenty years.

Now come the return tours by La Scala. The La Scala Orchestra and Chorus are due soon in Moscow, they will be followed by La Scala Opera and Ballet Companies. And in the immediate future — in June — L’Accademia del Teatro alla Scala will give a concert at the Bolshoi.

The Academy’s history goes back to 1813, when the La Scala Ballet School was founded. In the mid 20^th century, on the initiative of Maestro Arturo Toscanini, the School of the Cadetti della Scala was created, its aim being to pass on the Theatre’s musical traditions to the younger generation of opera singers. And, a little while later — in the 70’s — scenographer Tito Varisco set up a school for theatre designers. Thus, gradually, the present-day structure of the Academy came into being where today future singers, dancers, chorus and orchestra members, conductors, scenographers, lighting designers, sound engineers, heads of costume workshops, make-up artists, wardrobe mistresses, photographers, technicians and managers are trained. Each season the La Scala Academy prepares a new production for performance at the Theatre, apart from which it gives frequent concerts in Italy and other countries.

La Scala Superintendent Stephane Lissner:

" L’Accademia del Teatro alla Scala is the Theatre’s vision of its future. This is where the Theatre, which may be said to be the living history of opera, passes on its know-how to the younger generation. And if La Scala is part of the world heritage, the Academy is its heart and lungs".

On 24 June 2010 the Academy will give a concert at the Bolshoi New Stage, on 26 June — at the Big Hall of the St. Petersburg Philharmonia.

Program

Part I
G. Verdi’s operas excerpt
I vespri siciliani
Il Trovatore
Luisa Miller
I lombardi

Part II
F. Mendelson-Bartoldi
Symphony No. 4 in A (Italian)

Cast
La Scala Academy soloists:
Anna Victorova (mezzo-soprano),
Marika Gulordava (soprano),
Jaeheui Kwon(tenor),
John Min Park (bass)

La Scala Academy Orchestra
Conductor — Marco Guidarini

Supported by general sponsor