Construction of the Teatro alla Scala began in 1776 by order of Austrian empress Maria Theresa, on the site of the former Teatro Ducale, which had been destroyed by fire. The inaugural performance in 1778 was Antonio Salieri’s Europa riconosciuta. Designed by neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini, the theater’s name derives from the church of Santa Maria alla Scala, which had originally occupied the location.
In 1812, with the rise of Rossini, La Scala, as the theater is also known, became a focal point for Italian melodrama. Giuseppe Verdi’s Oberto, Conte di San Bonifacio debuted there in 1839, and that composer more than any other would go on to become associated with the history of the theater.
Arturo Toscanini became artistic director of La Scala in 1920 and promoted radical reforms for the theater. Claudio Abbado served as musical director from 1968 to 1986, followed by Riccardo Muti, who held the position until 2004. In 1982 Abbado worked to establish La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 1997 La Scala became an autonomous private foundation, ushering in a decisive phase of modernization. From January 2002 to December 2004 the theater underwent a drastic renovation, including an entire re-construction of the stage. Stéphane Lissner took over as La Scala’s general manager and artistic director in May 2005.