Gramilano doesn’t usually do announcements, but as the cancellation of Cecilia Bartoli’s presence at La Scala tonight was only communicated mid-morning, and the national newspapers have run presentations of the programme in today’s editions, it seems a helpful thing to do.

Bartoli, who has a heavy cold, said,

I feel sad and disappointed to give up this concert, which was so important to me.  I have been hoping until the last moment to be able to sing tonight. I thank all those who bought tickets and were waiting for this evening. Mr Pereira and I are looking for a new date to reschedule the concert as soon as possible.

As many people will turn up for the concert, the management have arranged for free access to a concert with I Barocchisti and Diego Fasolis who were to accompany Bartoli. Full refunds will still be available to those who assist tonight’s programme which features overtures and symphonies from Hasse, Händel, Vivaldi et al.