Performing arts in Italy

La Scala is not the only place in town to find classic music. It is by far the most famous one, but also the most expensive. Tickets for major events sell out fast if not istantaneously. Cheap seats sell out the same day reservations open, leaving just the most expensive ones to buy. Please also keep in mind that most chapest seats are reserved for season tickets holders.

Teatro dal Verme and Orchestra Verdi offer classical music concerts at an affordable price.

The first one is located right in the heart of the city centre (between Duomo and Castello Sforzesco); the second one is not exactly downtown but easily reachable with public transit.

Here is Orchestra Verdi website (english version): http://www.laverdi.org/english/index.php

I checked dal Verme website, but it looks like there is no english version: http://dalverme.org/events.php

I hope it helps

I too look for classical concerts/ operas while in different European cities. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
If you're not looking for world class musicianship but still competent, check out churches, as many offer concerts. In Rome, for a different experience, the Marcellus Theatre offers open air piano concerts during the summer. If you get to Ravello, which isn't far from Sorrento, there are concerts in the Villa Rufolo overlooking the Med.

We went to La Scala a few years back for a ballet. It was a wonderful experience for our family of four. We registered on the website in advance and explored the various seating options from the map. Then we logged in at the moment the seats went on sale and were shocked at how few were actually available--apparently many are held by season subscribers. None of the options we had so carefully explored were available, but we were able to book a box very close in, actually above the orchestra pit. So it was kind of an oblique view but still very good.

Try to find something on at the Parco della Musica in Rome. We went to a wonderful concert there and seeing the site itself is very interesting.

If there are music schools in the cities you visit, they may have free or low-cost concerts/performances. I am always surprised at how many rehearsals I stumble onto when visiting churches. Lucca will have performances, may be worth a daytrip or overnight from Florence.

Florence has a new stunning opera house and often last minute tickets are very cheap.

Go see an opera in the Roman Colosseum in Verona - opera performed on a huge scale in a setting unlike any other. I saw my last performance of La Boheme there and haven't seen another performance of it because I can't imagine it ever being better! It's just a spectacular experience...

These are wonderful suggestions - thanks very much.

A special thanks to David for the local tips, and for searching out the English website (when available).