Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress” is a brilliant twentieth-century neoclassical masterpiece, inspired by William Hogarth’s vivid engravings and set to a superb libretto by W.H. Auden and Chester Kallman.
This production marks a historic homecoming for Riccardo Chailly, returning to La Scala after his tenure as Music Director to revisit a score he first conducted here in 1979. Teaming up with acclaimed director Kasper Holten, Chailly continues his profound exploration of the Russian repertoire. Featuring the highly anticipated house debuts of Thomas Atkins and Rebecca Nelsen, alongside Alex Esposito’s unsettling interpretation of Nick Shadow, this new production promises to be a seasonal highlight.
Plot of The Rake’s Progress
Tom Rakewell is a penniless young man in love with Anne Trulove, but he refuses to work for a living, wishing instead for unearned wealth. His wish is granted when the mysterious Nick Shadow arrives, announcing that Tom has inherited a vast fortune. Leaving Anne behind, Tom travels to London with Shadow, who acts as his servant but secretly intends to claim his soul. Shadow leads Tom down a path of corruption, debauchery, and bizarre choices, including a loveless marriage to Baba the Turk, a bearded circus lady.
After a failed business venture leaves Tom bankrupt, Shadow takes him to a graveyard and demands his soul. Tom wins a game of cards for his life, but a furious Shadow strikes him with madness. Tom ends his days in Bedlam asylum, believing himself to be Adonis, dying heartbroken when Anne bids him a final farewell.
Cast and Creative Team of The Rake’s Progress
Opera in three acts
Libretto by Wistan Hugh Auden and Chester Kallman
Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro alla Scala
Teatro alla Scala New Production
Conductor • Riccardo Chailly
Staging • Kasper Holten
Sets • Philipp Fürhofer
Costumes • Anja Vang Kragh
Lights • Jonas Bøgh
Dramaturgy • Johanne Holten
Father Trulove • Andrew Harris
Anne Trulove • Rebecca Nelsen
Tom Rakewell • Thomas Atkins
Nick Shadow • Alex Esposito
Mother Goose • Natascha Petrinsky
Baba la Turca • Jamie Barton
Sellem • Robert Murray
Proprietario del manicomio • Bastian Thomas Kohl
Booking Process
Music trip to Milan for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “The Rake’s Progress”. 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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Riccardo Chailly returns to La Scala with Stravinsky’s "The Rake's Progress." A brilliant neoclassical masterpiece of moral decay and temptation, staged by Kasper Holten and starring Thomas Atkins and Rebecca Nelsen.
Riccardo Chailly returns to La Scala with Stravinsky’s "The Rake's Progress." A brilliant neoclassical masterpiece of moral decay and temptation, staged by Kasper Holten and starring Thomas Atkins and Rebecca Nelsen.
Riccardo Chailly returns to La Scala with Stravinsky’s "The Rake's Progress." A brilliant neoclassical masterpiece of moral decay and temptation, staged by Kasper Holten and starring Thomas Atkins and Rebecca Nelsen.
Riccardo Chailly returns to La Scala with Stravinsky’s "The Rake's Progress." A brilliant neoclassical masterpiece of moral decay and temptation, staged by Kasper Holten and starring Thomas Atkins and Rebecca Nelsen.
Riccardo Chailly returns to La Scala with Stravinsky’s "The Rake's Progress." A brilliant neoclassical masterpiece of moral decay and temptation, staged by Kasper Holten and starring Thomas Atkins and Rebecca Nelsen.
Riccardo Chailly returns to La Scala with Stravinsky’s "The Rake's Progress." A brilliant neoclassical masterpiece of moral decay and temptation, staged by Kasper Holten and starring Thomas Atkins and Rebecca Nelsen.
In Milan at Teatro alla Scala
