Connecting Cultures and Generations Through the Arts
A World of Artistic Excellence Awaits You
Engage with the rich heritage of Italian operatic, symphonic, and balletic arts through the Teatro alla Scala Association of America (TASAA). We are proud to support the mission of the most celebrated Italian opera house, and serve as a cultural ambassador between our two countries.
Our Vision
The Teatro alla Scala Association of America (TASAA) was founded in 2023. With its rich heritage steeped in history and creativity, La Scala epitomizes the tradition of Italian opera and stands as a cornerstone of Italy’s cultural and national identity. Strengthening the bond between La Scala and American audiences signifies a renewal of the longstanding historical connection between our two countries, fostering an exchange of artistic expression and cultural appreciation.
Our Mission
The Teatro alla Scala Association of America is dedicated to broadening Teatro alla Scala’s reach among US audiences, preserving its legacy, and contributing to its future by supporting artistic, educational, and outreach programs.
Governance
The Teatro alla Scala Association of America (TASAA) is governed by a Board of Directors, where the Sovrintendente of Teatro alla Scala sits as an ex officio Director.
Additionally, TASAA proudly includes esteemed Italian and international figures with historical connections to the theater as Honorary Members and Advisors to the Board. These influential individuals serve as cultural ambassadors, furthering TASAA’s mission. Mr. Giorgio Armani is the first Honorary Member of the Teatro Alla Scala Association of America.
- DIRECTORS OF THE BOARD
- ADVISORS TO THE BOARD
Grant Initiatives
FOR THE YOUNG BY THE YOUNG
The annual opera production by the students and graduates of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala in the main Theatre’s Season. Children’s adaptation of the Classic Operas project.
LA SCALA: 250 YEARS OF HISTORY REVEALED
An ambitious multi-year, multi-partner project to digitize the historical archives of scores, music, playbills, pictures, costumes, scenes and much more in almost 250 years of the La Scala history, from its foundation to today.
Teatro alla Scala
HERITAGE
The Teatro alla Scala is the world’s most celebrated Italian cultural institution. Founded in 1778 under the reign of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, La Scala quickly became a home for renowned composers like Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti. Masterpieces such as Norma were born on its stage, and Stendhal hailed it as the leading theater of its time.
TRADITION
Verdi’s early operas, including the patriotic “Va’ pensiero” chorus from Nabucco, established La Scala as a stage for the Italian Risorgimento movement. Later, Verdi chose La Scala for the world premieres of Otello and Falstaff, while Puccini presented Madama Butterfly and Turandot here. Arturo Toscanini led the renewal of Italian musical theater at La Scala.
Since 1951, the Season Opening has been held on December 7, Milan’s patron saint’s day, emphasizing the theater’s identification with the city.
ARTISTRY
The excellence of La Scala originates from the high quality of its artists and craftsmen, who independently create every aspect of each production in the Ansaldo Workshop. La Scala stands out as one of the few theaters to conceptualize and produce every component of their shows, including set design and construction, mechanics and assembly, and costume design and production.
La Scala has hosted legendary singers like Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, and Luciano Pavarotti, as well as conductors such as Karajan, Bernstein, and Kleiber. Italian maestros like De Sabata, Giulini, Abbado, and Muti left their mark, while Barenboim conducted a fundamental cycle of Wagner performances. Recently, Riccardo Chailly has brought the Italian repertoire, including Puccini’s works, back to the center stage.
EDUCATION AND INNOVATION
La Scala is committed to reducing its environmental impact, the development of educational projects and an overall update of their technological equipment. Notable, a third of the spectators at La Scala today are under 35 years old. Teatro alla Scala performances are now streamed on the new “La Scala TV” platform, offering both new productions live, and great performances of the past, as well as an expansive educational programming. The latter is part of a broader project designed to bring children and young people closer to the world of opera and ballet.