AP News, November 8th, 2007
Daniel Barenboim and his fellow musicians received shouts of "bravi" after the open dress rehearsal, but the ticket-buying public won't get to enjoy Verdi's "Requiem" on Friday: La Scala's 800 employees are going on strike.
With apologies to the audience, La Scala announced that Friday's long-awaited performance, capping a year of commemorations marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Arturo Toscanini and marking one of Barenboim's first appearances in his new role as La Scala's principal guest conductor, was called off. The theater did not indicate if the concert would be rescheduled.
During an interview with The Associated Press, Barenboim declined to discuss the possibility of a strike. But the mood backstage at La Scala has been tense since union leaders announced last week their intention to strike Friday night's concert.
"A strike should not be discussed or considered by anybody outside those who negotiate until the moment that it either happens or doesn't happen," Barenboim said during the interview Wednesday.
Only Thursday did it become clear that there was no longer hope of reaching a deal in time to save the concert.
La Scala's managers said that on Tuesday they had proposed calling in a mediator.
"The management of La Scala does not understand why the response to this proposal was negative. Nor does it see in the short-term any change on the horizon," their statement said.
La Scala said that it was prepared to offer a pay increase, based on the strong earnings in the last two seasons, noting that the number of concerts has risen from 164 a year in 2001 to 273 in 2007. But it said it was unable to negotiate a deal with its workers in the absence of a national contract, and no talks on a national level have been scheduled.
Musicians who spoke to The Associated Press after Thursday's dress rehearsal said La Scala has not raised wages in seven years, and they have been pressing for months for resolution.
Barenboim arrived in Milan on Oct. 21 to prepare for the "Requiem" as well as the 2007/08 season opener, Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" on Dec. 7.
La Scala has 800 employees, including 135 musicians and 107 in its chorus. It was their fourth strike since 1989.
"We see tram drivers go one year without a contract and strike, and they get what they want," said violinist Agnese Ferraro. "This is our last resort."
La Scala has experienced management turmoil in recent years with the abrupt departure in 2005 of principal conductor Riccardo Muti after 18 years at the Milanese opera house. General Manager Stephane Lissner has not replaced Muti, instead naming Barenboim as "maestro of La Scala," a less formal arrangement under which he will produce at least two operas a year at La Scala through 2011. The arrangement includes co-productions with the Berlin Staatsoper, where Barenboim is music director.
La Scala also will have other guest conductors, including Daniele Gatti and Riccardo Chailly.
Music lovers Maria Penatti and Renata Riboni — both in their 80s — left Thursday's free public rehearsal in a state of joyous agitation.
"We're glad we came today," Riboni said. "I would have a ticket tomorrow, but with the threat of the strike I wasn't sure."
http://www.teatroallascala.org
