Teatro alla Scala Association of America held it’s Annual Benefit Performance Gala at The New York Historical Society to joyous applause.
The continued efforts to broaden Teatro alla Scala’s reach among American audiences was honored with a spectacular gala presentation on October 7 with a guest list of hundreds who gathered to passionately back the important cause.
Milena Adamian, Julia Steyn and Lawrence Steyn at the Teatro alla Scala Benefit on October 7, 2026 at the New York Historical Society in Manhattan. Photography by Natasha Moustache / CKA
Held under the patronage of the Consulate General of Italy in New York, the Gala celebrates Italian excellence in partnership with distinguished brands, including Armani, Brioni, Pomellato, Edra, Mapei, Eataly, Bellavista, Campari, Cone Marshall, Withers, Zielinski & Rozen, and others, the night was a harmonious affair full of great delights including music, food, conversation and most importantly philanthropic fundraising.
Basil Chidi and Aron D’Souza at the Teatro alla Scala Benefit on October 7, 2026 at the New York Historical Society in Manhattan. Photography by Casey Kelbaugh / CKA
Proceeds from the evening help advance TASAA’s mission of ensuring opera’s generational continuity through its Next Act supporting emerging artists and cultivating new audiences.
Fortunato Ortombina, CEO and Artistic Director of Teatro alla Scala, alongside Milena Adamian, President and Chairwoman of the American Association, helped host the delightful affair that in few years time has become an outstanding mark on the New York City calendar.
This year’s event, “The Next Act,” unveiled the artistic and humanitarian contribution of Arturo Toscanini to Italy and the U.S. in a special program featuring the artistic excellence of acclaimed soprano Federica Lombardi a distinguished alumna of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala and Mezzo-Soprano Samantha Hankey, alongside on-stage interviews by New York Times journalist Joshua Barone and NBC correspondent Chloe Melas.
The Children’s Chorus at the Teatro alla Scala Benefit on October 7, 2026 at the New York Historical Society in Manhattan. Photography by Casey Kelbaugh / CKA
Additionally, the Arturo Toscanini Scholarship, awarded annually to a promising student of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala in support of their musical education and career development, was showcased. This year’s recipient will have the opportunity to showcase their artistry at the 2027 TASAA Gala.
This year, TASAA’s commitment was exemplified through a pioneering dual-format presentation of L’elisir d’amore: a full-length production performed by 126 Accademia students and graduates at Teatro alla Scala, and a shortened adaptation introducing more than 20,000 children—most from underserved communities—to opera.
TASAA was founded in 2023 to strengthen La Scala’s connection with American audiences and foster generational continuity in the classical arts. With its rich heritage steeped in history and creativity, La Scala epitomizes the tradition of Italian opera and stands as a cornerstone of Italy’s cultural and national identity. TASAA is dedicated to broadening Teatro alla Scala’s reach among US audiences, preserving its legacy, and contributing to its future by supporting artistic, educational, and outreach programs.
