La Scala manager expects solution to labor day dispute over the Expo inaugural performance

La Scala's general manager says he expects to find a solution to a union dispute over the opening concert for the world's fair Expo 2015 on May 1, which coincides with the traditional labor day holiday.

The inaugural Expo concert was placed in doubt after the local CGIL labor federation last week called on its members who work at La Scala to join labor day demonstrations and not work.

Riccardo Chailly is scheduled to conduct "Turandot," inaugurating the six-month Expo season, which will see the famed Milanese opera house remain open continuously from May 1-Oct. 31 for the first time in its history.

General Manager Alexander Periera said Tuesday that he expects the dispute to blow over, saying "at times you need to have patience and await catharsis."