The opera season at La Scala will begin on December 7 with Don Carlo, which is "one of the great operas in the world repertoire," according to administrator Dominique Meyer, a sort of "Verdi Bible" in the words of conductor Riccardo Chailly. It's no surprise that this opera has already debuted at La Scala eight times. And the version chosen (Verdi made at least five) is the one written specifically for the Milanese theater in 1884. In summary, the inauguration will surpass all expectations, even if President Sergio Mattarella does not sit in the central box this year, as he did in previous years when he received standing ovations and requests for an encore from the audience as he was nearly at the end of his first term. "Problems with the agenda," Meyer said, "but the president has assured us that he will be back next year." There will be the second highest office in the state, Senate President Ignazio La Russa, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, who has asked for time until after December 7 to give the ministry's indications on the new leadership of La Scala, when the superintendent's contract expires in 2025.