The Diritto di Suonare, Italy’s first festival devoted to overcoming gender stereotypes in classical music, returned to Milan on June 14 and 15, 2025, for two days of concerts, talks, surprises, and major performers. On Saturday 14 at 8:30 PM, the Auditorium di Milano Fondazione Cariplo hosted the highly anticipated symphonic concert of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala Orchestra, an ensemble of talented young musicians engaged in an advanced training program. On the podium, the Russian conductor Anna Skryleva, winner of the Opus Klassik 2024 award and internationally known for her social commitment through projects like 'Classic for Peace.' Adding prestige to the evening was the presence of flutist Sébastien Jacot, former principal flute of the Berliner Philharmoniker, acclaimed as the 'rockstar of the flute' for his virtuosity and stage presence.
The program highlighted female talent in composition, spanning from the 19th century to the present. From Louise Farrenc’s Overture No. 2 and Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino, to the Italian premiere of Three Impromptus in C by Anna Skryleva, and the Carmen Fantasy by François Borne, the concert concluded with Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, offering a journey of elegance, energy, and social engagement.
The day opened at 11:30 AM with the talk In the Name of 'Anna A.' in the Ridotto dei palchi of Teatro alla Scala, featuring composer Silvia Colasanti and Prof. Fabio Sartorelli, offering a preview of the new opera commissioned by La Scala, which will premiere next autumn. In the afternoon, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele came alive with a musical flash mob featuring musicians and performers on the balconies, in collaboration with Gli Amici del Loggione.
On Sunday, June 15, the festival continued with the Breakfast Concert at Villa Scheibler, combining live music and open-air breakfast with a performance by the duo Chiara Kaufman (cello) and Emanuele Raviol (harp). The event concluded with 80 voglia di parità - Music&Art Talk at the Auditorium Cerri: an engaging conversation featuring Benedetta Colombo (@benedettaartefacile) and pianist Ginevra Costantini Negri, highlighting the role of women in the protection of cultural heritage and in cultural resistance during World War II.
The Diritto di Suonare Festival is organized with the support of the City of Milan, Fondazione Bracco, the Accademia Teatro alla Scala, and the Lombardy Region. All events are free of charge with reservation via Eventbrite. Full program available at: classicalrights.com.
