In 1930, Bidu Sayão began to gain prominence in Europe and signed a contract with the prestigious Scala in Milan.
Contract between Scala in Milan and Bidu Sayao, signed by the artist.
One sheet, 4 pages.
In Italian.
Approximately 21cm x 29cm.
Milan, February 28, 1930.
In perfect condition of conservation.
Unique piece.
This 1930 theatrical contract involves the Brazilian soprano Bidu Sayão with the Teatro alla Scala in Milan for the 1929–1930 season, specifically from February 25 to March 9, 1930. She is paid 5,000 lire per performance to sing in The Barber of Seville as first assistant soprano, with three guaranteed weekly performances. The contract stipulates obligations regarding rehearsals, exclusivity within a 30 km radius, and conditions in case of force majeure. It is signed by Bidu Sayão and includes rules on compliance with the theater's regulations and the possibility of termination in case of non-compliance.
In 1930, Bidu Sayao was still young (born in 1902) and was on the rise of her career. At that time, she was already beginning to gain prominence in Europe, having begun her career in Brazil in the 1920s. She had begun to attract attention in the major European opera houses from the late 1920s onwards.
This contract with La Scala in Milan, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, marks an important point in her artistic career. Shortly afterwards, in the 1930s and 1940s, she would become one of the greatest sopranos of her time, especially when she performed regularly at the Metropolitan Opera in New York from 1937 onwards. This contract therefore represents her first years of success in Europe, before she became an indispensable figure on the international scene.
