ROME - Rome’s Opera House has recently gone through a makeover, the aim of which was to give it a more welcoming, contemporary and European look and to make it more attractive to the public.

  The Opera House now hosts a new gourmet cafeteria, and its new box office is much more modern, with large screens and a better system for the public to purchase their tickets. 

  This new ticket office, which cost approximately 100,000 euros, has been opened today, the same day that the new season has opened with the opera The Bassarids, considered one of the masterpieces of Hans Werner Hense. The cafeteria, however, will not be opened until December 20, with the opening of the ballet The Nutcracker.

  In other opera news, Milanese authorities have released the programme of over 50 events across the city to mark the annual Prima della Scala, or official opening of the 2015-2016 season at the house, which traditionally falls on December 7.

  'La Prima diffusa’, this year will mark its fifth edition, will see the participation of big names in the music and theatre scenes, including 'punk poet laureate' Patti Smith, Carla Fracci and actress Monica Guerritore. 

  “This initiative confirms our commitment to make Milan a city of widespread culture," said city councillor for culture Filippo Del Corno.

  is