A Midsummer Night's Dream Milan

A Midsummer Night's Dream Milan Tickets 2027

George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns to Teatro alla Scala in Milan from 8 to 16 July 2027, bringing one of the choreographer’s most celebrated full-length ballets back to the historic opera house after a ten-year absence.

Performed by the Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company and Orchestra, this production combines Shakespeare’s romantic comedy with Felix Mendelssohn’s music, elaborate scenery and Balanchine’s distinctive classical choreography.

Seven performances are scheduled, beginning with the premiere on Thursday, 8 July. Audiences looking for A Midsummer Night's Dream tickets in Milan can explore the scheduled dates and check ticket options for this eagerly anticipated return to La Scala.

Balanchine's A Midsummer Night's Dream Returns to La Scala

The July 2027 performances mark an important revival in La Scala’s ballet season. First presented at the theatre in its European premiere in 2003, this production has enjoyed more than 100 performances in Italy and internationally.

Its return follows a decade away from the Milan stage, reuniting audiences with the distinctive visual world created by Italian designer Luisa Spinatelli, whose sets and costumes helped establish this interpretation as a signature production of La Scala.

Balanchine originally created A Midsummer Night's Dream for New York City Ballet in 1962. It was his first entirely original full-length ballet, transforming William Shakespeare’s comedy into a two-act work that combines storytelling, humour and technically demanding dance.

Unlike many traditional narrative ballets, Balanchine’s interpretation changes character between its two acts. The first follows Shakespeare’s enchanted forest, while the second becomes an extended celebration of classical ballet.

Shakespeare's Enchanted Forest Through Dance

The story begins with the romantic confusion of four young lovers who enter a mysterious forest inhabited by fairies and supernatural creatures.

Oberon, King of the Fairies, and Titania, his queen, are caught in a dispute. With the mischievous Puck interfering in the affairs of mortals and magical beings alike, a series of mistaken identities, unexpected attractions and comic misunderstandings unfolds.

The first act brings these characters together through expressive choreography, contrasting the playful movements of the fairy world with the emotional relationships of the human characters.

After the complications are resolved, the second act moves towards a wedding celebration. Here, Balanchine shifts the emphasis from narrative to the precision and elegance of classical dance, featuring formal ensemble sequences and a central pas de deux.

The result is a ballet that offers both an accessible introduction to Shakespeare’s story and a showcase of Balanchine’s choreographic style.

Live Orchestra and La Scala's 2027 Production

The performances feature music by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, conducted by Simon Hewett, with the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra accompanying the dancers.

Mendelssohn’s score includes music originally composed for Shakespeare’s play, alongside additional orchestral works selected by Balanchine. The familiar Wedding March is among the musical highlights associated with the ballet.

The production also brings together several artistic groups from the Teatro alla Scala Academy. Students from its Ballet School will participate alongside opera soloists and the Academy’s Treble Voices Chorus, adding further depth to the large-scale staging.

The creative team includes Luisa Spinatelli, responsible for sets and costumes, and lighting designer Andrea Giretti.

Together, these elements create the theatrical setting for a work that moves between an imaginary woodland kingdom and the formal elegance of a royal celebration.

Performance Dates at Teatro alla Scala

A Midsummer Night's Dream will be performed on 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16 July 2027, with every performance scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM.

The opening performance on Thursday, 8 July marks the ballet’s return to La Scala, followed by six further opportunities to see the production.

Located in the centre of Milan, Teatro alla Scala is one of the world’s most renowned opera houses and an important centre for classical ballet. Its longstanding connection with Balanchine’s choreography makes this revival particularly significant within the theatre’s 2026–2027 season.

For visitors planning a cultural trip to Milan, the July dates provide an opportunity to experience a major ballet production in one of Italy’s most prestigious performing arts venues.

Buy A Midsummer Night's Dream Tickets in Milan

Experience George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night's Dream at Teatro alla Scala between 8 and 16 July 2027.

Browse the scheduled performances, compare available ticket options and choose your preferred date and seating category.

Check A Midsummer Night's Dream Milan tickets and plan your visit to La Scala for this return of one of the company's established ballet productions.