Milan’s Fondazione Teatro alla Scala has installed Riedel’s Bolero, NSA, RiFace and PunQtum systems to unify and modernise backstage communication in one of the world’s most iconic opera houses.
Before implementing Bolero, Teatro alla Scala relied on a fragmented mix of communication tools that created significant integration challenges. The venue’s architectural complexity – with staircases, lifts and acoustically sensitive zones such as the orchestra pit and director’s booth – made consistent communication difficult.
The new comms give Teatro alla Scala a scalable system that serves across all departments, connecting stage managers, lighting technicians, audio engineers, video operators, fly tower staff, streaming crews and the director, and providing robust communication even in RF-challenged areas. RiFace integration supports 45 UHF channels for rigging crews, while NSA ensures interoperability with third-party systems used by the streaming team. PunQtum devices complement Bolero in roles requiring additional flexibility.
‘Bolero has completely transformed how we work at Teatro alla Scala,’ says Head of Audio-Video-Streaming, Marco Schretter. ‘Its reliability, coverage, and intuitive interface have streamlined our workflows, reduced downtime, and eliminated the need for emergency fixes.
‘During a rehearsal, we handed out Bolero beltpacks – most teams had never used them before – and the feedback was consistently positive. That’s when we knew Bolero had arrived. It’s not just a technical upgrade – it’s a new backstage performer that supports the precision and elegance our productions demand. Now, we can deploy smaller teams across different locations and remain fully interconnected.’
The deployment has also delivered measurable cost savings, as Bolero’s reliability reduces maintenance and downtime, while its unified architecture lowers equipment overheads. The intuitive interface minimises training costs, and the system’s durability – supported by the Riedel Care maintenance plan – ensures long-term performance without the need for frequent replacements or emergency fixes. Teatro alla Scala also reports faster set-up and turnaround times, reduced labour costs and enhanced coordination across departments.
‘To see Bolero in such a prestigious venue is a testament to its reliability and versatility,’ says Riedel Communications Regional Sales Manager for Italy, Giuseppe Angilello. ‘This deployment sets a benchmark for other theatres and production companies seeking robust, scalable communication systems that meet the demands of world-class live events. We’re also proud of the strong partnership and support we’ve built with the team – they know we’re always there when they need us.’
More: www.riedel.net