This morning it was officially confirmed that Riccardo Chailly will replace Daniel Barenboim as music director of La Scala in Milan. The appointment had been widely rumoured for several weeks. Chailly will become the music director on January 1, 2015. 

The appointment was announced by Milan's mayor, Giuliano Pisapia: 'The Board of Directors has agreed with Alexander Pereira’s proposal to appoint Chailly,' adding, 'We are happy and proud'. 

Daniel Barenboim's final production as music director of La Scala will be Beethoven's Fidelio, which will begin its run in December 2014.