Brussels, Belgium – Italy’s renowned La Scala opera house made a regrettable announcement on Saturday as it canceled a highly anticipated concert in Brussels. The cancellation was attributed to disruptions in European air traffic caused by a devastating earthquake in Morocco.
The scheduled orchestra and choir concert, conducted by the esteemed Riccardo Chailly and hosted at the prestigious Bozar center for fine arts in Brussels, was eagerly awaited by music enthusiasts. However, in a statement released by La Scala, it was revealed that the event “will not be able to take place due to the impact of the tragic earthquake in Morocco on European air traffic.”
The logistical nightmare began when the plane assigned to transport the 215 orchestral players, choir members, and staff from their previous concert venue in Aalborg to Brussels was grounded at Marrakech Airport. This unforeseen issue created a domino effect that led to the concert’s cancellation.
“The impact of the earthquake on several European routes meant that no other solution could be found in time for this evening’s concert,” La Scala’s statement lamented.
The earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, struck near the popular tourist destination of Marrakesh late Friday night. Tragically, it claimed the lives of over 1,000 people and left more than 1,000 others injured.
La Scala, based in Milan, expressed its deep sympathy for the victims of the earthquake and acknowledged the immense tragedy that had befallen Morocco. The cancelation of the concert was a somber reminder of the far-reaching consequences of natural disasters.
Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, also weighed in on the situation, addressing Italians in Morocco. He urged them not to attempt to fly out of Marrakesh unless they possessed tickets, citing the airport’s congestion caused by the aftermath of the earthquake.
As the dust settles in the wake of the Moroccan earthquake, the impact continues to reverberate globally, affecting even the most illustrious cultural institutions like La Scala. It serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of the world and the unforeseen challenges that can disrupt even the most carefully laid plans.