
Off to the Opera, Italian-style
By: Effetto Italy On: January 21, 2019 In: Client Events
Securing a ticket to La Scala in Milan, inarguably the most exclusive opera house in the world, is incredibly difficult. Unlike the other principal opera houses, La Scala’s availability is extremely limited. Access is something the Italian elite attempt for years and often to no avail. It is not an issue of price, but rather one of knowledge and connection.
So, when one of our clients wanted to truly wow their guests with a once in a lifetime experience, we said: we love a challenge, and incidentally, we know just the place! Not just any visit to the opera, we developed an ultra- exclusive, backstage extravaganza to see none other than Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata”. And when our client said we need to secure 42 tickets, in the stall and seated all together, we said: Game on!
And what a win it was! Constructed in 1778, and then reconstructed after World War II in 1946, the neoclassical La Scala has an unassuming exterior. It originally shared the street with many other buildings until the piazza was built to showcase the house. However, once you walk through the carriage entrance, you are blown away by its lavish interior. Mirrors line the walls of the foyer, and the auditorium, which holds 3000, is awash in red velvet and gold. It’s grand, to say the least, and the perfect setting for our VIP group.
Prior to the show, our clients traveled from the auditorium and theater boxes, through the Noble seating area, where the rulers of Milan would watch in the 18th and19th century. They then journeyed down to the orchestra pit and up on to the stage for a backstage tour. After learning about the enchanting history of the theater, no opera would be complete without a special pre-show prosecco and canape, before the lights dimmed. But since this was no ordinary visit to the opera, at both intervalli (there are 2 intermissions in La Traviata!), an elegant private room was waiting with champagne, finger foods, passed hors d’oeuvres for all to enjoy. Indeed, it was an afternoon to remember and an experience that is unlikely to ever be repeated.
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Ciao for now,
The Effetto Italy Team