La Scala de Milán has unveiled its 2025/2026 season, marking a significant transition as it will be Riccardo Chailly’s final season as musical director and Fortunato Ortombina’s debut as artistic director and superintendent of the renowned Italian opera house.
The ambitious program features ten opera titles, including two complete cycles of Wagner’s Ring, seven ballet productions, and an extensive offering of concerts, recitals, and children’s performances. This comprehensive lineup continues La Scala’s tradition of balancing classic repertoire with innovative programming.
What makes this season particularly noteworthy? Beyond the leadership transition, the 2025/2026 program will open on December 7, 2025, with an unusual opera selection for the traditional gala opening night — a choice that has already sparked conversation among opera enthusiasts and critics alike.
New Leadership, Fresh Vision
Fortunato Ortombina’s first season as artistic director will be presented to Spanish audiences on October 1, 2025, at the Italian Cultural Institute in Madrid, where Ortombina himself, alongside Paolo Besana, will outline their vision for one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses.
The season reflects both continuity and innovation, with revivals of beloved Italian operatic masterpieces sharing the calendar with forward-looking productions. Ballet enthusiasts will be particularly intrigued by a new triple program scheduled for March 2026, featuring works never before performed on Milan’s legendary stage, according to reports in specialized media.
For Wagner devotees, the inclusion of two complete Ring cycles represents a monumental undertaking and highlights La Scala’s commitment to presenting opera’s most ambitious works. This programming choice stands as a fitting capstone to Chailly’s tenure, showcasing the orchestra’s technical prowess and artistic depth.
“The 2025/2026 season embodies La Scala’s dual mission of honoring operatic tradition while embracing artistic evolution,” an observer might note, reviewing the comprehensive lineup that includes not only mainstage productions but also educational initiatives and community engagement efforts.
A Balancing Act
La Scala’s new season navigates the delicate balance between artistic ambition and audience expectations. The theater’s global reputation demands programming that satisfies opera purists while attracting new audiences — no small challenge in today’s cultural landscape.
The carefully curated selection of Italian repertoire pieces acknowledges La Scala’s historical significance as a guardian of Italian operatic tradition. Yet the inclusion of contemporary works and innovative ballet programming signals a forward-looking perspective that will likely define Ortombina’s directorship.
As the curtain prepares to rise on this transitional season, Milan’s legendary opera house once again positions itself at the intersection of tradition and innovation — a fitting metaphor, perhaps, for the art form itself in the 21st century.
