Muti resigned the music director post after 19 years on April 2 after weeks of protests from La Scala's staff and musicians, who accused him of forcing out superintendent Carlo Fontana. Mauro Meli, who replaced Fontana and was seen as an ally of Muti, has also resigned.

This week's concert, a spokesperson said, suggests that Muti might be willing to guest conduct in the future, despite the circumstances of his departure. "There was a feeling of hope that the maestro will return to conduct at La Scala," she said.