Milan's La Scala Theatre Replaces Gergiev with Another Conductor; Netrebko Will Not Perform

Milan's La Scala Theatre has appointed young Russian conductor Timur Zangiev to lead the choir for the production of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's opera "The Maid of Pskov." Zangiev will replace Valery Gergiev starting March 5, as reported by RIA Novosti, citing theatre management.

Last week, La Scala's management announced that they would have to sever ties with Gergiev and cancel performances of "The Maid of Pskov" if he did not clarify his position regarding Russia’s military operations in Ukraine and advocate for a peaceful resolution to the disagreements.

"In case of no response, after 6 days and 3 days before the performance, such a decision was inevitable," stated La Scala’s official announcement.

Conductor Timur Zangiev, 28, will take Gergiev's place and has already conducted some rehearsals, receiving "extremely positive feedback from orchestra members." The opera is scheduled to be performed from March 5 to 13, with a total of four performances.

La Scala has also announced the temporary suspension of opera singer Anna Netrebko’s activities. Consequently, she will not participate in the upcoming performance of Francesco Cilea's "Adriana Lecouvreur," which debuts on March 9.

"For me, this is not the time to engage with music and take the stage. Therefore, I have decided to temporarily step back from my creative obligations. This was a difficult decision for me, but I know my audience will understand and respect it," Netrebko stated in her announcement.