The Teatro alla​ Scala in Milan was forced to halt its 2025 opera season premiere of “Lady⁤ Macbeth of Mtsensk” on December 7th after conductor Riccardo Chailly became ill during the performance.

Performance Interrupted After Second⁤ Intermission

The disruption occurred following the second interval ⁤of the opera, which had‍ already received eleven minutes of ⁤applause upon its commencement.⁤ An extended​ frist intermission -‌ approximately fifteen ​minutes‍ longer‍ than scheduled – had hinted at potential issues,but Chailly continued to lead the orchestra until the second break.

Maestro Hospitalized

prior ​to the performance, rumors circulated regarding Chailly’s health. The 72-year-old maestro, who ​celebrated his birthday in february,⁢ was attended to by an ambulance and a ⁢medical vehicle and ‍subsequently transported​ to​ a hospital.

Decision Made Out ⁣of Respect for conductor

Artistic coordinator Paolo Gavazzeni addressed the audience, explaining that, given ‌the complexity of Shostakovich‘s “Lady Macbeth ‌of Mtsensk” and “out of respect‌ for maestro Chailly,” management decided‌ to cancel the remainder of the performance. The decision prioritized the ⁢conductor’s well-being and acknowledged‌ the demanding nature of the⁢ work.