Barenboim makes La Scala move official

MILAN, Italy, May 16 (UPI) -- Outgoing Chicago Symphony Music Director Daniel Barenboim has been tapped as the principal guest conductor of Italy's La Scala opera house in Milan.

Barenboim, 63, said Monday he would use his position at La Scala "to fight the lack of musical education, which is a real illness in our society," the BBC reported.

The Argentine-born Israeli citizen said he would bring to Milan his "musical kindergarten," which exposes young children to classical music.

Barenboim, who is leaving Chicago in June, will remain the general musical director at the Staatsoper Unter den Linen in Berlin.

Under Barenboim, the Milan and Berlin opera houses will work together in a unique exchange of programs.