 In 1826, use of the name "Fernando" in the title was forbidden because Ferdinando was the name of the heir to the throne, and no form of it could be used on a royal stage.The 1826 work—Bellini's first professionally staged opera—had its first performance at the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples on 30 May 1826.Its success resulted in the offer to the young composer from Domenico Barbaja, the Intendente at the San Carlo and also part of the management of La Scala opera house in Milan, of a commission to write a new opera for La Scala.