Otello Milan

Otello returns to Teatro alla Scala from 10 December 2026 to 5 January 2027 as the highly anticipated opening production of the new opera season. Conducted by Myung-Whun Chung and staged by acclaimed director Damiano Michieletto, this new production brings Giuseppe Verdi's late masterpiece back to the theatre for which it was originally composed in 1887.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest operas ever written, Otello is Verdi's powerful adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy. With a libretto by Arrigo Boito, the work explores jealousy, manipulation, love and betrayal with extraordinary psychological depth. From the dramatic storm that opens the opera to its devastating final scene, Otello remains one of the most emotionally intense experiences in the operatic repertoire.

Written after a sixteen-year absence from opera following Aida, Verdi returned with a revolutionary musical language that transformed Italian opera. The score flows seamlessly from scene to scene, combining dramatic power with lyrical beauty and creating a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

This new Teatro alla Scala production is directed by Damiano Michieletto, one of the most influential opera directors of his generation. Returning for his eighth production at La Scala, Michieletto makes his debut as director of a season-opening premiere, bringing a fresh interpretation to one of Verdi's greatest achievements.

The production features an outstanding international cast led by Brian Jagde as Otello, Luca Salsi as the manipulative Iago and Eleonora Buratto as Desdemona. Selected performances will feature Arsen Soghomonyan, Roberto Frontali and Roberta Mantegna in the principal roles.

For opera lovers visiting Milan, Otello represents one of the major cultural events of the season. Combining Verdi's genius, Shakespeare's timeless drama and the prestige of Teatro alla Scala, this production promises to be one of the highlights of the 2026–2027 operatic calendar.

Why Attend Otello at Teatro alla Scala?

• One of Giuseppe Verdi's greatest masterpieces.
• Based on Shakespeare's timeless tragedy.
• Opening production of the new La Scala opera season.
• Conducted by Music Director Myung-Whun Chung.
• New production directed by Damiano Michieletto.
• Exceptional international cast led by Brian Jagde and Luca Salsi.
• A must-see event for opera lovers visiting Milan.

Production Details

Opera in Four Acts

Music: Giuseppe Verdi

Libretto: Arrigo Boito

Conductor: Myung-Whun Chung

Director: Damiano Michieletto

Sets: Paolo Fantin

Costumes: Carla Teti

Lighting: Alessandro Carletti

Dramaturgy: Mattia Palma

Performed by: Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro alla Scala

Principal Cast

Otello
Brian Jagde (7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 December)
Arsen Soghomonyan (29 December, 2 and 5 January)

Iago
Luca Salsi (7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 December)
Roberto Frontali (29 December, 2 and 5 January)

Desdemona
Eleonora Buratto (7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 December)
Roberta Mantegna (29 December, 2 and 5 January)

Cassio – Juan Francisco Gatell
Emilia – Szilvia Vörös
Roderigo – Cristiano Olivieri
Lodovico – Huanhong Li
Montano – Nicolò Ceriani