( AFP ) - La Scala's new guest conductor Daniel Barenboim opened the season with Richard Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde " without shoes, he told ANSA news agency on Saturday.
"One of my shoes completely broke in the front, so I had to take off both," he said.
The press mentioned that Barenboim was not wearing his typical patent leather shoes, but did not give any explanation as to why.
"Tristan und Isolde " launched the Milan opera house's 2007-2008 season.
La Scala is expected to offer seven performances of the opera, running until January 2. They mark the 65-year-old Israeli's debut in a lyrical production at the famed establishment.
Known for his extensive experience in Wagner, Barenboim is expected to finish his collaboration with La Scala with the composer's Ring series scheduled for the 2010-2011 season.