Never before performed at La Scala, Jules Massenet’s penultimate opera, “Don Quichotte,” finally makes its Milanese debut. Based on Cervantes’ legendary novel, this masterpiece is brought to life in a striking new production by acclaimed director Damiano Michieletto. Co-produced with the Opéra de Paris, Michieletto reimagines the story as a poignant exploration of social isolation and the loss of a dreamer’s illusions.
The production spans three distinct eras from the 1960s to the present day, using innovative video projections to map the protagonist’s inner obsessions. Leading this monumental premiere are the brilliant Alex Esposito in the title role, the charismatic Gaëlle Arquez, and Giulio Mastrototaro as the loyal Sancho.
Plot of Don Quichotte
The aging, eccentric idealist Don Quichotte wanders the world in search of chivalric adventure, hopelessly in love with the beautiful Dulcinée. To prove his devotion, he accepts her playful challenge to recover a stolen necklace from a band of fierce bandits. Accompanied by his loyal servant Sancho Panza, Quichotte mistakes windmills for giants and gets captured by the thieves. Touched by the knight’s pure spirit and noble heart, the bandits unexpectedly return the jewels. However, when Quichotte returns to Dulcinée and proposes marriage, she gently rejects him, admitting her lifestyle cannot match his pure ideals. Heartbroken and facing the harsh reality of a world that mocks his dreams, the old knight collapses. In his final hour, only the faithful Sancho remains by his side as Quichotte dies, looking up at a star.
Cast and Creative Team of Don Quichotte
Opera in five acts
Libretto by Henri Caïn
Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro alla Scala
Teatro alla Scala New Production
Opéra de Paris Production
Conductor • Bertrand des Billy
Staging • Damiano Michieletto
Sets • Paolo Fantin
Costumes • Agostino Cavalca
Lights • Alessandro Carletti
Choreography • Thomas Wilhelm
Dulcinée • Gaëlle Arquez
Don Quichotte • Alex Esposito
Sancho Pança • Giulio Mastrototaro
Pédro • Emy Gazeilles
Rodriguez • Samy Camps
Juan • Didier Pieri
Garcias • Saori Sugiyama
Booking Process
Music trip to Milan for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “Don Quichotte”. The highlight is a visit to the famous Teatro alla Scala on the second evening to experience a magnificent performance in a world-famous environment with global stars. You can select between Essential and Superior Package.
Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. Follow the booking process:
Essential Package: Includes premium tickets, 4-star hotel accommodation in the city center, and breakfast.
Superior Package: Includes premium tickets, 4- or 5-star hotel accommodation, private city walking tour, aperitif with light dinner before the show, and a festive gourmet dinner.
Extend your journey into an unforgettable Italian experience: Beyond Milan and the enchanting Lombardy region with its sophisticated Northern Italian Lakes, we invite you to expand your travel package according to your desires.
We can seamlessly combine your visit to La Scala with additional performances at Italy’s most prestigious opera houses—such as the historic Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, the innovative Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence, the elegant Teatro Regio in Turin, or the grand Teatro Massimo in Palermo. Enhance your trip further with a bespoke gourmet package featuring exclusive tastings and culinary discoveries across the country. Everything—including premium hotels, curated opera tickets, and private transfers—will be meticulously organized by us, completely tailored to your personal wishes.
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Massenet's "Don Quichotte" celebrates its historic La Scala premiere. Directed by Damiano Michieletto, this deeply moving staging stars Alex Esposito and Gaëlle Arquez in a visually stunning tale of illusions and lost dreams.
Massenet's "Don Quichotte" celebrates its historic La Scala premiere. Directed by Damiano Michieletto, this deeply moving staging stars Alex Esposito and Gaëlle Arquez in a visually stunning tale of illusions and lost dreams.
Massenet's "Don Quichotte" celebrates its historic La Scala premiere. Directed by Damiano Michieletto, this deeply moving staging stars Alex Esposito and Gaëlle Arquez in a visually stunning tale of illusions and lost dreams.
Massenet's "Don Quichotte" celebrates its historic La Scala premiere. Directed by Damiano Michieletto, this deeply moving staging stars Alex Esposito and Gaëlle Arquez in a visually stunning tale of illusions and lost dreams.
Massenet's "Don Quichotte" celebrates its historic La Scala premiere. Directed by Damiano Michieletto, this deeply moving staging stars Alex Esposito and Gaëlle Arquez in a visually stunning tale of illusions and lost dreams.
Massenet's "Don Quichotte" celebrates its historic La Scala premiere. Directed by Damiano Michieletto, this deeply moving staging stars Alex Esposito and Gaëlle Arquez in a visually stunning tale of illusions and lost dreams.
In Milan at Teatro alla Scala
