Vittorio Grigolo received an enthusiastic ovation after his performance as Nemorino in L’Elisir d’amore at La Scala.
After having seen contracts suspended with The Royal Opera and The Metropolitan Opera, La Scala decided to take no action against the tenor as there is an undergoing investigation by The Royal Opera House. The audience was clearly very much on Grigolo’s side with its deafening applause.
“Love always prevails,” Grigolo said after the performance. “There will always be gossiping, and words designed to sell more copies of a newspaper. After 20 years of intensive work and sacrifice, the audience at La Scala appreciated that and let me know that I am loved for who I am – that is, exuberant in taking the applause… energetic. I hugged some members of the chorus [during the curtain call] this evening, so I hope I won’t be having any more problems.
“Irony, euphoria, enthusiasm… think that we’re full of adrenaline, after a show like this, there’s adrenaline like an athlete has after running 100 metres, or a gladiator on entering the arena.”
Maria Lentz says
I am an Argentine, of French and Italian descent. I do not believe by any circumstance that the behavior of Grigolo during the curtain call, was so criminal as your article and the people of this country believe. It is disgusting to me, the reaction of a puritanical society, that sees wrong in any silly and momentary action of men in the arts, who have reached a important spaces, on the stages of the world. I do not care how you judge me, i am not a feminist, it seems that today, in America, the only ones who are believed are women. What about the accused ones?, do they ever, have the right, especially if they happen to be a famous “Opera Singers”?. My opinion, they need to sign contracts in countries where the Latin blood is understood, in a matter of fact, where, we laugh at puritanism, that many times hides very disgusting behavior. There is not even the respect, to study the accusation under the law. Immediately the mob judges, guilty! ….and the Companies, fearful of losing patronage and subscribers, cancel the accused performances, and keep the mob happy. I do not care, if they reinstate these singers or not. They have enough places in the world, to sing till the end of their times. I consider myself European, I have enjoyed opera all my life, in Europe, especially in Italy, France and Germany, now, from NC, still do, this time in the internet….also in Buenos Aires, an important center of great high opera,, Santiago, La ciudad de Mejico, and so on.. If these companies ever sign a Romanian singer,, remember, they are also Latin, they might hug somebody, during a curtain call, the name of the country says it, Roma, Romania.