La Scala manager expects solution to labour day dispute over the Expo inaugural performance

MILAN – La Scala’s general manager says he expects to find a solution to a union dispute over the opening concert for the world’s fair Expo 2015 on May 1, which coincides with the traditional labour day holiday.

The inaugural Expo concert was placed in doubt after the local CGIL labour federation last week called on its members who work at La Scala to join labour day demonstrations and not work.

Riccardo Chailly is scheduled to conduct “Turandot,” inaugurating the six-month Expo season, which will see the famed Milanese opera house remain open continuously from May 1-Oct. 31 for the first time in its history.

General Manager Alexander Periera said Tuesday that he expects the dispute to blow over, saying “at times you need to have patience and await catharsis.”