Otello at La Scala: a new season begins

La Scala opens its season with Verdi’s Otello on 7 December 2026. It is a reason to set aside a whole evening during a Milan trip: see a new production of Shakespeare’s tragedy and hear La Scala’s orchestra and chorus conducted by Myung-Whun Chung. Further performances follow on selected dates until 5 January 2027.

Both the opera and its connection to this theatre are part of the appeal. Verdi composed Otello for La Scala in 1887, to Arrigo Boito’s libretto. Love and trust give way to jealousy, manipulation and personal ambition. The theatre presents it as a drama of private emotions and society’s prejudices; Damiano Michieletto directs the new production.

Opening night or a later performance?

The opening on 7 December and the December–January performances are separate dates of the same production. Compare the theatre’s calendar and cast lists. Brian Jagde as Otello, Luca Salsi as Iago and Eleonora Buratto as Desdemona are announced for the early December performances, with other singers scheduled later. The official page lists the cast by date.

Build the evening around your chosen performance: dinner before or afterwards, a trip from your hotel as a couple or an outing with friends. The theatre also announces an introductory talk by Claudio Toscani in its foyers an hour before each performance. Check attendance arrangements and current conditions with La Scala.

Dates and tickets

Opening night is 7 December 2026; subsequent performances run on selected dates from 10 December 2026 to 5 January 2027 at Teatro alla Scala, Milan. The Under30 preview on 4 December is listed separately and has its own conditions.

Choose tickets on La Scala’s official website. The date, time and performers shape your evening, so start with the performance, then arrange your hotel and other appointments in the city.

Travelling to La Scala

If you are staying in Milan, you can discuss a hotel-to-theatre journey with Hola Taxi. Include your address, party size and performance date; discuss the return journey around your plans for the evening.

If you are flying in, specify the airport: Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN) or Bergamo (BGY). The journey from your flight to your hotel and the later trip to La Scala can be arranged as two distinct stages of your visit.