For arts and entertainment listings, consult the informative monthly Milano Mese, free at APT (tourist board) offices, or in the weekly Vivi Milano (sold with the Wednesday edition of Corriere della Sera).
Music
The Conservatorio (Via del Conservatorio 12, tel: 02/7621101) is the best place in the city for classical concerts and is a popular venue for the well-heeled all year long.
Opera
The season at Milan's famous Teatro alla Scala (Teatro alla Scala, Via Filodrammatici 2, tel: r 02/860775 tickets; 02/7200-3744 Infotel Scala; www.teatroallascala.org) runs from December 7 (St. Ambrose Day) through May or later. Seats are usually sold out well in advance, but if you are prepared to pay the desk clerk at your hotel, you will probably be able to get tickets.
For information on schedules, ticket availability, and how to buy tickets, there is an Infotel Scala service, with English-speaking staff, at the ticket office, which is open daily noon-6.
Otherwise, ticket availability may be checked and purchases made by credit card on the opera house's Web site or through the 24-hour automated phone reservation system. Both services charge a 20% advance booking fee. Note that beginning in December 2001, the Teatro will close for a season.
Theater
Teatro Paolo Grassi (Via Rovello 2) hosts excellent productions of Milan's Piccolo Teatro (tel: 02/723331).
The spacious Teatro Giorgio Strehler (Largo Greppi 1) hosts excellent productions of Milan's Piccolo Teatro (tel: 02/723331).
Teatro Studio (Via Rivoli 6) is one of three venues hosting Milan's Piccolo Teatro (tel: 02/723331).
