Protests inside & outside of "La Scala" opening in Milan

[Hannah Bell]

Each season's first performance at La Scala typically draws protesters of all stripes, who take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate before VIPs and ritzy audience members on opening night — considered a major highlight of Milan's social season...

Inside, before raising his baton to begin the evening's performance of Die Walkure, guest conductor (Daniel) Barenboim turned to the audience and spoke out against the proposed cultural cuts.

"In the names of the colleagues who play, sing, dance and work, not only here but in all theatres, I am here to tell you we are deeply worried for the future of culture in the country and in Europe," Barenboim told President Giorgio Napolitano, who was in La Scala's royal box.

The theatre erupted in applause, with Napolitano joining in...

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/arts/theatre/story/2010/12/08/la-scala-opera-arts-cuts-protest.html#ixzz17bMwGVr7