After the extraordinary events during last Monday's concert with Cecilia Bartoli and Daniel Barenboim at La Scala in Milan, La Ceci let it be known that a handful of booers certainly won't stop her from returning to the theatre:
It was a great evening! I was moved by the warm welcome from Maestro Barenboim, the Scala Philharmonic and the staff of the theatre who immediately made me feel at home. The theatre was overflowing with excitement, and was sold out instantly: a wonderful atmosphere and a moment to remember. Maestro Barenboim has said that the doors are always open for me at La Scala. I'm honoured, and can't wait to come back soon!
Incidentally, her fee for the evening's concert (which was covered by private sponsors) was donated to charity.
Ernesto Schiavi, the orchestra's artistic director, said,
La Scala's Philharmonic Orchestra thanks Maestro Barnboim and Cecilia Bartoli for the the concert. It was an exceptional artistic encounter that attracted a vast public and was received with extraordinary enthusiasm by almost all who were present.
Graham Spicer is a writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name ‘Gramilano') about dance, opera, music and photography for people “who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like”. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy.
His scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the ‘Danza in Italia' column for Dancing Times magazine.
Dear Cecilia how blessed is the audience at La Scala that your dignity and grace prevent the boorish few from stealing the joy of thousands. May you and the audience at La Scala have many transcendant musical moments together in the future.
Well said Cathy.
H.