AttilA seduces Audience At seAson opening

MILAN: An opera based on the 5th century conquest of Italy drew wild applause on the opening night of La Scala’s 201819 season on Friday—not least for President Sergio Mattarella.

It was the first time Mattarella, had attended the prestigious first night of shows at the Milan opera house. The plaudits were reserved for principal conductor Riccardo Chailly and Russian bass Ildar Abdrazakov, the main character in Giuseppe Verdi’s who were given a 14 minute ovation with the cast at the end of the performance. Spanish soprano Saioa Hernandez made her debut at La Scala with the portrayal of Odabella, who vows to avenge her father’s death at the hands of Attila. Based on the play “Attila, King of the Huns” by German dramatist Zacharias Werner, the opera revolves around the hated Huns’ conquest of Italy.