Prada Foundation: tickets for “Riccardo Muti: Don Giovanni”

If you’re a lover of classical music and opera, you might find this experience at the Prada Foundation in Milan ticks all the boxes. The “Riccardo Muti Italian Opera Academy” offers a rare chance to watch the creative process of preparing a masterpiece—Mozart’s Don Giovanni—led by none other than Maestro Riccardo Muti himself. For those curious about how a great conductor shapes a performance, this is about as close as you can get without stepping onto the podium yourself.

Two things we particularly love about this tour: first, the intimate access to rehearsals, providing a genuine window into the workings of high-level opera production; second, the opportunity to witness Maestro Muti’s methods and insights firsthand, which is a rare gift for any music enthusiast.

The only caveat? The experience is quite focused—it’s strictly behind the scenes and not a full performance or concert experience. So, if you’re expecting a traditional opera night, this isn’t it. But if you value understanding the craft and process behind a beloved work, you’ll find this tour compelling.

This activity suits those who enjoy music, appreciate the arts, and are eager to learn about the rehearsal process of a world-class orchestra and choir. It’s perfect for serious music lovers, aspiring conductors, or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of opera production.

Key Points

• Intimate Behind-the-Scenes Access: Watch rehearsals led by Maestro Riccardo Muti.
• Focus on Process: See how a Mozart opera is prepared from score analysis to final run-through.
• Exclusive Experience: Attend only a limited number of rehearsals during the week.
• Educational Value: Gain insights into the working methods of one of the world’s most renowned conductors.
• Flexible Ticketing: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; reserve now, pay later.
• Limited to Rehearsals: No entry to exhibitions, and photography/video is prohibited during rehearsals.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Attending the “Riccardo Muti: Don Giovanni” rehearsals at the Prada Foundation offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the meticulous world of opera preparation. These rehearsals take place at the Deposito space within the Prada headquarters in Milan, a sleek and modern venue that comfortably accommodates both the orchestra and spectators. The duration of each session is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, providing ample time to observe the process without feeling overwhelmed.

What makes this experience special? Unlike a ticket to an opera evening, this is a chance to see how a masterpiece is shaped before it hits the stage. You’ll witness the first piano rehearsals, where the orchestra and singers begin to coordinate, and then move through detailed score analysis with Maestro Muti. This stage of rehearsal is where the magic starts to happen—musicians experiment with timing, phrasing, and dynamics, guided by the Maestro’s expert hand.

The atmosphere is typically focused but friendly, with a sense of shared purpose. Since only a limited number of tickets are sold, the audience gets a more personal view of the process. As some reviews note, you’ll love the way Maestro Muti shares his creative approach, making complex musical ideas accessible and inspiring.

What to expect during the rehearsal? You’ll see young conductors leading different sections of the orchestra under Maestro Muti’s supervision, gaining insights into leadership and musical direction. Audience members are cautioned that no photos, videos, or recordings are allowed during the rehearsal—so you’ll want to be present in the moment. The experience ends back at the meeting point, completing a full circle of discovery.

Pricing and value: The ticket includes entry to a morning or afternoon rehearsal, which is a great deal considering the access you get to a world-class conductor and the educational insights provided. It’s not a full opera performance, but the depth of understanding you gain about the rehearsal process makes it a worthwhile investment for dedicated enthusiasts.

Logistics and practicalities: The meetup point is at the Prada Foundation headquarters in Milan, with clear directions provided. The experience is designed to be flexible; you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, and booking now with pay later options offers added convenience for planning your trip.

Why Choose This Experience?

We loved the way this tour removes the barriers normally associated with attending an opera—a traditional ticket only shows the final product. Here, you peek behind the curtain, observing the painstaking work that goes into creating a performance. It’s like witnessing the rehearsal equivalent of a film director calling “cut” — a rare, authentic look at the process.

For those with a passion for music, Don Giovanni is one of Mozart’s most beloved operas, full of complex characters and beautiful melodies. Watching the rehearsal under Maestro Muti’s guidance deepens appreciation for not just the music but also the craft behind the performance.

While the experience is somewhat niche—focused more on the process than the performance—it offers incredible educational value. You’ll leave with a new respect for the work that goes into every note and phrase, and perhaps a better understanding of what makes a great conductor.

Cost-wise, it’s a very reasonable way to engage with high-art in an intimate setting. Compared to a full-blown opera night, which can be costly, this is a focused, insightful, and memorable alternative.

Accessibility is straightforward, with the rehearsal space at the Prada Foundation easily reached in central Milan. Remember, photography and recordings are forbidden, so come prepared to be fully present.

FAQs

What does the ticket include? It includes entry to a morning or afternoon rehearsal of the Riccardo Muti Italian Opera Academy, giving you close-up access to the rehearsal process.

Are there any restrictions? Yes, food and drinks, photography, video, and audio recordings are not permitted during rehearsals.

How long is each rehearsal? Rehearsals last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where do the rehearsals take place? In the Deposito space at the Prada Foundation headquarters in Milan, located at Largo Isarco 2.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for children? The information doesn’t specify, but given the nature of the experience, it’s probably best suited for older children or adults interested in classical music and opera.

Can I see a full opera performance? No, this experience is strictly for rehearsals, not public performances.

Will I be able to take photos or record? No, photography and recordings are prohibited during rehearsals.

Is there an option to pay later? Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Final Thoughts

Choosing to attend the “Riccardo Muti: Don Giovanni” rehearsals at the Prada Foundation offers a unique peek into the world of opera that most enthusiasts never get to see. It’s a valuable experience for those who want to understand the nuts and bolts of bringing a Mozart masterpiece to life—guided by one of today’s most celebrated conductors.

The limited access and focus on process make it a more intimate and educational alternative to a traditional concert or opera night. Expect to walk away with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and effort behind the scenes, which is what truly elevates an opera from notes on a page to a captivating performance.

This experience is best suited for passionate music lovers, students of conducting, and anyone interested in the craft of classical music. It’s a chance to see the artistry unfold in real time, in a setting that values the process as much as the final product.

If you’re eager to go beyond the usual tourist sights and gain insight into the creative process of one of the world’s greatest conductors, this rehearsal tour at Prada Foundation is well worth considering. It’s authentic, inspiring, and a rare opportunity to witness musical history in the making.

You can check availability for your dates here: