La Scala opera lefties whack right wing boss

One of the most famous figures in music resigned dramatically yesterday after an acrimonious power struggle at the world-renowned opera house La Scala, Milan, which prompted a virtual mutiny.

Riccardo Muti quit as musical director at the Italian institution after an autocratic 19-year reign, following an escalating dispute in which more than 700 staff, including the entire orchestra, had demanded he should go.

There has also been a political dimension to the struggle, with Mr Fontana backed by the unions and the centre-left opposition on Milan’s city council, while Muti is supported by much of the Italian right.