Glass panels help improve the sounds

Before the accident at the Arcimboldi, creaking noises were heard from the ceiling.

The audience was evacuated from the auditorium before two of the 100 glass ceiling panels plunged six metres to the floor.

Some trade union representatives said this was the result of hasty building. In the aftermath, the rest of the panels were removed for safety checks.

The movable glass panels are designed to improve acoustics at the theatre.

Enthusiastic

Ahead of the opera house's opening, there were concerns over the acoustics and transport services to the new suburban premises.

There was also a fear of change in La Scala's devoted public. Yet, the move to the Arcimboldi last month seemed to pass off smoothly.

La Scala performs both opera and ballet

Critics and the audience at the gala first night performance of La Traviata spoke enthusiastically of the new theatre, created out of precious woods, metal and glass.

With 2,400 seats, it holds a bigger audience than the original and offers a similar sized stage, individual electronic subtitlers and other innovations.

However, the honeymoon ended abruptly when during a dance recital the creaking noises were heard.

The state-of-the-art theatre, sponsored by the Pirelli tyre firm, was built in a record 27 months.

It had been due to reopen on Tuesday and outside technicians confirmed it was safe to do so.

But that date was deferred to allow further safety checks and allay the concerns of the trade unions.

La Scala's management says that any cancelled performances will be rescheduled later in the season.