Porgy & Bess Opera at La Scala, Milan - Centre

For the first time at La Scala, the original version of the score will be performed in its entirety. Gershwin was profoundly struck by his encounter with Alban Berg in Vienna at the end of the ’20s, and declared that Porgy was “his Wozzeck”. The version of Porgy and Bess that we will hear includes a considerable amount of music influenced by the European avant-garde experience that is usually cut from the score, but which contributes towards the opera’s overall dramatic effect, and to understanding Gershwin’s links with the musical universe of his day.

Staging is by Philipp Harnoncourt; the cast includes Kristin Lewis, who graced La Scala’s stage in the role of Aida in 2015 and Angel Blue.