Barbara McMahon in Rome
Tuesday May 16, 2006
The Guardian

Daniel Barenboim was confirmed yesterday as principal guest conductor
of the world's most famous opera house, La Scala in Milan.
With typical idiosyncratic style, however, the 63-year-old musician
revealed that his collaboration with the venerable opera house would
be minimalist in formalities.
"There is no title, there's no contract, there's nothing," Barenboim
said. "And because of this, there's everything."

Officials at La Scala said the conductor and pianist had agreed a
long-term working relationship with the opera house while maintaining
his role as general music director of Berlin's Staatsoper.