By Shirley Apthorp [Bloomberg.com, 12 May 2006]

May 12 (Bloomberg) -- Is Daniel Barenboim the right man for La Scala? When the Argentina-born maestro is announced as principal guest conductor of Italy's leading opera house on Monday, there will be rejoicing in Milan. Barenboim, 63, is the personal choice of the La Scala orchestra, a favorite with the public and admired by the Italian music press.