Arturo Toscanini

In 1983, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Arturo Toscanini’s birth, a commemorative plaque was affixed onto the façade of the via Durini house, as shown by the letter from the mayor of the time Carlo Tognoli to Anna Crespi Morbio. In addition to that, in March 2017, Amici della Scala dedicated three entire newsletters to the eminent director, narrating a more intimate and familiar Toscanini, with new images and the testimonies of those who had met, admired and spent time with him. The homage can be accessed on the Amici della Scala website: it also represents a commemoration of someone who, by being one of the greatest protagonists of the life of La Scala, changed its very nature; and not only from an artistic point of view. At the time of the Association’s formation, his daughter Wally (in one of the pictures with Giulietta Simionato) was the person who – following her father’s values – appointed Anna Crespi Morbio as the only figure capable of becoming President and guide to Amici della Scala. In the image is a photograph of Arturo Toscanini, with his signature.