A Night of Musical Mastery: US National Symphony Orchestra Shines at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala

The grand Teatro alla Scala in Milan was the stage for an extraordinary and enchanting event as maestro Gianandrea Noseda led the US National Symphony Orchestra in a captivating performance. What set this particular performance apart was the use of ancient Italian-made instruments that took centre stage on that memorable evening.

Known for his distinctive conducting style, Noseda has always strived to make the instruments “mimic vocal voices… even when they are not present.” This Italian approach has been a driving force behind his collaboration with the US National Symphony Orchestra, infusing them with his unique Italian flair.

To achieve this, Noseda personally acquired a collection of nine stringed instruments from renowned Italian luthiers, dating back to as early as 1686 to 1835. This remarkable collection, consisting of seven violins, one viola, and one cello, is a sight to behold and a sound to marvel at.

What makes this gesture even more exceptional is that these instruments are typically far too costly for most orchestral musicians to possess. “It is difficult to find a musician who owns a Stradivari. A Stradivari always belongs to a bank, or to a foundation, a collector,” Noseda explains. By lending these prized instruments to the orchestra, it has not only motivated the players but has also elevated the quality of the orchestra’s sound.

The historic instruments took the spotlight at Teatro alla Scala, providing the musicians with an opportunity to explore new sounds and push their boundaries. Marissa Regni, the principal second violinist, expressed her joy at playing a Santo Serafin made in Venice in 1725, describing its sound as “very sweet, but also very rich, luscious sound at the same time.”

The orchestra’s performance also showcased an original composition by the Kennedy Center’s in-house composer Carlos Simon, who spoke about the significance of fusing Black American music with classical music, deeming it a special task.

The energetic performance at La Scala on Monday 26 February was not just a triumphant return for Noseda but also marked the emotional highlight of the NSO’s nine-city European tour, its first in nearly a decade. It was an unforgettable homecoming for the 59-year-old maestro and a debut for the orchestra to the famously exacting La Scala audience, making it a truly magical night of musical mastery.