Which opera opened Milan’s Teatro alla Scala in 1778?

Europa riconosciuta opened Milan’s Teatro alla Scala in 1778.

Antonio Salieri composed the opera for the theatre’s inauguration on 3 August 1778. The libretto was written by Mattia Verazi and draws on stories of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology, while also involving themes of rivalry, legitimacy, and political power.

La Scala replaced Milan’s Teatro Regio Ducale, which had been destroyed by fire. The new theatre quickly became one of the world’s most important opera venues. Although Salieri’s opera was significant at the opening, it later became far less familiar to general audiences than works by Verdi, Puccini, and other composers associated with La Scala.

A common mix-up is to name Nabucco, because Verdi’s opera is strongly connected with La Scala and helped establish his reputation there. Europa riconosciuta was revived at the theatre in 2004 for its reopening after major restoration work.