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Gramilano

Graham Spicer, aka 'Gramilano', is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.

Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in many books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.

He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.

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About Gramilano

Graham Spicer, aka 'Gramilano', is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.

Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in many books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.

He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.

Review: Les Étoiles in Milan – staging galas is not for the faint-hearted

15 May 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Aftereffect with Cassandra Trenary and Davide Dato, photo by Graham Spicer, Daniele Cipriani Entertainment 2026 _DSC2029

Graham Spicer sees the Milanese edition of Daniele Cipriani’s Les Étoiles gala and enjoyed its varied offerings, with Natalia Osipova and Aurélie Dupont stepping in at the last minute. TitleLes … [Read more...] about Review: Les Étoiles in Milan – staging galas is not for the faint-hearted

Royal Opera House’s new curtains unveiled to King Charles III

15 May 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Spring Gala 2026 attended by His Majesty King Charles III with Marianela Nuñez and Pretty Yende - Tristram Kenton - 7

Last night, the Royal Ballet and Opera unveiled its new Main Stage curtains at the Spring Gala. Attended by His Majesty King Charles III, the occasion not only marked a milestone in the … [Read more...] about Royal Opera House’s new curtains unveiled to King Charles III

Milan celebrates 80th Anniversary of La Scala’s reopening after devastating World War II bombing

11 May 2026 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Teatro alla Scala, 1943

In August 1943, Milan was bombed by Allied planes. On the night between 15 and 16 August the city centre and the Teatro alla Scala were seriously damaged. A photographic exhibition, La Scala Reborn … [Read more...] about Milan celebrates 80th Anniversary of La Scala’s reopening after devastating World War II bombing

English National Opera’s ENO Breathe programme proven to improve long COVID

8 May 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

ENO Breathe live Zoom session with participants - Face Massage (c) English National Opera

A new study published in The Lancet Digital Health has found that ENO Breathe, a breathing and wellbeing programme developed by English National Opera (ENO) in collaboration with clinicians … [Read more...] about English National Opera’s ENO Breathe programme proven to improve long COVID

Interview: Luca Silvestrini  brought his Community Dance Practice to Italy’s Proscaenium

7 May 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Dance Without Limits, Proscaenium school of dance

Choreographer Luca Silvestrini – Artistic Director of Protein Dance – left Italy in 1995 for London to complete his dance training at the Laban Centre (now Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and … [Read more...] about Interview: Luca Silvestrini  brought his Community Dance Practice to Italy’s Proscaenium

Royal Ballet and Opera unveils new stage curtains during special Gala performance

5 May 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Apollo and Daphne (c)2020 ROH. Photographed by Tristram Kenton

On Thursday 14 May, following almost three decades of service and tens of thousands of performances, the Royal Ballet and Opera will unveils its new stage curtains as part of a Gala … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet and Opera unveils new stage curtains during special Gala performance

Review: McGregor / Maillot / Naharin, an eclectic triple bill at La Scala

4 May 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Wayne McGregor's Chroma - Nicoletta Manni Timofej Andrijashenko, photo by Brescia e Amisano (c) Teatro alla Sc

Graham Spicer sees La Scala’s thrilling contemporary programme: Wayne McGregor’s Chroma, Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Dov'è la luna and Ohad Naharin's Minus 16. TitleMcGregor / Maillot / … [Read more...] about Review: McGregor / Maillot / Naharin, an eclectic triple bill at La Scala

Interview: Tenor Dave Monaco, at 30, reflects on his journey to becoming one of the world’s most exciting opera singers.

3 May 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Dave Monaco, photo Mattia Di Pasquale crop

Tenor Dave Monaco chats with Graham Spicer about his journey to becoming one of today’s most sought-after Rossini and Mozart singers. Dave Monaco just turned 30, and his career is flourishing. He … [Read more...] about Interview: Tenor Dave Monaco, at 30, reflects on his journey to becoming one of the world’s most exciting opera singers.

(A few) International Dance Day events – 29 April 2026

29 April 2026 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Eleonora Abbagnato and Paul Marque in Le Parc credit Jack Devant

Today (some of) the world celebrates International Dance Day – Wednesday 29 April 2026 – and many initiatives have arrived in gramilano’s inbox over the last few days. Here is a selection. Siamo … [Read more...] about (A few) International Dance Day events – 29 April 2026

Teatro La Fenice in Venice and Beatrice Venezi – set to become the theatre’s first music director – cut ties

27 April 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Beatrice Venezi

Beatrice Venezi is no longer the appointed music director at Teatro La Fenice in Venice. The theatre and the conductor have terminated their relationship. The theatre’s Foundation announced that … [Read more...] about Teatro La Fenice in Venice and Beatrice Venezi – set to become the theatre’s first music director – cut ties

The Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Artists Programme – celebrating 25 years of discovering opera’s brightest new stars

18 April 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Jette Parker Artists 2026

The Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Artists Programme celebrates its 25th anniversary in the 2026-2027 season, marking a quarter of a century of discovering, nurturing and training the next generation of … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Artists Programme – celebrating 25 years of discovering opera’s brightest new stars

The Royal Opera – complete 2026-2027 Season

15 April 2026 by Gramilano 1 Comment

The Magic Flute, Tuuli Takala as Queen of the Night (C) ROH 2019. Photographed by Tristram Kenton

The Royal Opera presents the 2026-2027 Season of new productions and acclaimed revivals. In her Main Stage debut, Royal Opera Associate Director Netia Jones –renowned for her inventive use of digital … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera – complete 2026-2027 Season

The Royal Ballet – complete 2026-2027 Season

14 April 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Royal Ballet School

The Royal Ballet has unveiled a programme that aims to honour its extraordinary lineage and embrace the future of the art form during the 2026-2027 Season. In celebration of his 20th anniversary as … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet – complete 2026-2027 Season

Birmingham Royal Ballet celebrates Sir Peter Wright’s Centenary with Gala Performance

11 April 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Miki Mizutani with Sir Peter Wright

Sir Peter Wright Centenary on 18 June will feature highlights from some of the director and choreographer’s most beloved works, including Giselle, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and Coppélia.  For … [Read more...] about Birmingham Royal Ballet celebrates Sir Peter Wright’s Centenary with Gala Performance

Les Étoiles 2026 in Milan 11-12 April with 2 new guests: Natalia Osipova and Aurélie Dupont

10 April 2026 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Davide Dato in Uwe Scholz’s The Rite of Spring, Nervi Festival 2021, photo by Graham Spicer

Les Étoiles, the well-known gala format seen across Italy, returns to the Teatro degli Arcimboldi in Milan this weekend – on 11 April at 9 pm and on 12 April at 5 pm. Unfortunately, Marianela … [Read more...] about Les Étoiles 2026 in Milan 11-12 April with 2 new guests: Natalia Osipova and Aurélie Dupont

The Critics’ Circle announces the nominations for the 26th National Dance Awards

10 April 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

National Dance Awards logo

The Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle has announced the short-listed nominations for the National Dance Awards (#NDA26).  The qualifying period for performances was between 1 January and 31 … [Read more...] about The Critics’ Circle announces the nominations for the 26th National Dance Awards

New York City Ballet announces 2026-27 Season with 5 world premieres

9 April 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

New York City Ballet in Justin Peck’s Copland Dance Episodes. Photo credit Erin Baiano

21 Weeks of Performances Will Feature 48 Ballets Including 24 Works by NYCB Co-Founder GEORGE BALANCHINE and 5 Works by Co-Founding Choreographer JEROME ROBBINS Five World Premieres by JENNIFER … [Read more...] about New York City Ballet announces 2026-27 Season with 5 world premieres

Royal Ballet’s Melissa Hamilton presents A Night of Ballet

28 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Melissa Hamilton, photo by Darian Volkova

Melissa Hamilton will curate a Night of Ballet this summer at Grange Park Opera. The Royal Ballet Principal will produce the first performance in England by Hamilton Christou … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet’s Melissa Hamilton presents A Night of Ballet

Youth America Grand Prix’s 2026 Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala

19 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

YAGP 2026

Ballet stars will join Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) – the world’s largest ballet scholarship organisation – to celebrate this year’s Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala on Thursday 16 … [Read more...] about Youth America Grand Prix’s 2026 Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala

Les Étoiles gala in Rome 2026: A Bridge for Peace… but without Zakharova

16 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

LES ETOILES 2022 Vadim Muntagirov with Fumi Kaneko as the white swan, photo by Graham Spicer

Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, Sala Santa Cecilia, Rome – 20 and 21 March These are times of conflict, and Les Étoiles – the international dance gala curated by Daniele Cipriani – … [Read more...] about Les Étoiles gala in Rome 2026: A Bridge for Peace… but without Zakharova

Interview: Ivan Putrov on the Dance for Ukraine gala at the Royal Academy of Dance

8 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Dance for Ukraine 2026 banner

On Saturday 21 March at 2pm, the Royal Academy of Dance will host a Dance for Ukraine event. Darcey Bussell, President of the Royal Academy of Dance, and Ivan Putrov will present a special ballet … [Read more...] about Interview: Ivan Putrov on the Dance for Ukraine gala at the Royal Academy of Dance

The Joffrey Ballet Announces 2026–2027 Season at Lyric Opera House  

3 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Gayeon Jung The Sleeping Beauty Photo by Carolyn McCabe

The Joffrey Ballet’s 2026-2027 season includes the premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s The Sleeping Beauty, and the Chicago premiere of John Neumeier’s ballet Liliom.   Ashley Wheater, Artistic … [Read more...] about The Joffrey Ballet Announces 2026–2027 Season at Lyric Opera House  

Ryan Tomash Promoted to Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet

2 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Ryan Tomash of New York City Ballet in August Bournonville’s Flower Festival in Genzano Pas de Deux

New York City Ballet announced today that Ryan Tomash has been promoted from Soloist to Principal Dancer. The promotion was made by NYCB Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic … [Read more...] about Ryan Tomash Promoted to Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet

Review: Nureyev’s The Sleeping Beauty at La Scala – thrilling in its eccentricity

23 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Martina Arduino in Sleeping Beauty, photo Brescia e Amisano (c) Teatro alla Scala (1)

Graham Spicer sees Rudolf Nureyev's The Sleeping Beauty at La Scala with an electrifying Martina Arduino as Aurora. TitleThe Sleeping BeautyCompanyBallet of La ScalaVenueTeatro alla Scala, MilanDate9 … [Read more...] about Review: Nureyev’s The Sleeping Beauty at La Scala – thrilling in its eccentricity

The Porselli ballet boutique next to La Scala closes after 55 years

22 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Porselli ballet shoes 1

The historic Porselli shop on Via Filodrammatici, opposite La Scala’s artists’ entrance, has closed after 55 years – yet another piece of Milan’s cultural fabric has quietly disappeared. The … [Read more...] about The Porselli ballet boutique next to La Scala closes after 55 years

Hofesh Shechter is awarded Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture

21 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Hofesh Shechter is awarded Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from Her Excellency Hélène Tréheux-Duchêne - 1

The Hofesh Shechter Company has announced that choreographer and composer Hofesh Shechter OBE has been appointed to the rank of Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. This prestigious … [Read more...] about Hofesh Shechter is awarded Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture

Cory Stearns to retire from American Ballet Theatre

19 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Onegin - B-

Cory Stearns, a Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre since 2011, will retire from the Company following performances of Onegin during the 2026 Summer season. He will perform the title role … [Read more...] about Cory Stearns to retire from American Ballet Theatre

Anna Razzi, former étoile of La Scala Ballet, has died at 85

18 February 2026 by Gramilano 1 Comment

1984 Romeo and Juliet - Anna Razzi ph Lelli e Masotti (c) Teatro alla Scala (1)

The dancer and ballet director Anna Razzi has died at the age of 85. She was honorary president and director of the ballet company at Teatro San Carlo in Naples from 2006 to 2009, and was well … [Read more...] about Anna Razzi, former étoile of La Scala Ballet, has died at 85

English National Ballet announces its 2026-2027 season – A Season to ‘Feel More’

18 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

English National Ballet dancers in Rudolf Nureyev’s Romeo & Juliet (c) Laurent Liotardo

English National Ballet’s 2026-2027 season “opens up the possibilities of ballet, offering more ways to discover, feel and engage with ballet, on stage and beyond”. English National Ballet’s … [Read more...] about English National Ballet announces its 2026-2027 season – A Season to ‘Feel More’

Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities Opens Its Doors To The Public

9 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

External view of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, University of Oxford. Photograph (c) David Levene

New 500-seat concert hall opens with concert by the Scottish Ensemble New 250-seat theatre opens with dance by ZooNation Unveil of new digital art by Refik Anadol and Anna Ridler  World … [Read more...] about Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities Opens Its Doors To The Public

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Gramilano newsletter 2019

INTERVIEWS

António Casalinho, photo by Nikita Alba crop

António Casalinho – Introducing the 17-year-old Portuguese Dancer

Roberto Bolle in Waves by Massimiliano Volpini, photo by Andrej Uspenski (4)

Roberto Bolle interview: Who I am now

Davide Dato as Lensky © Wiener Staatsballett

Meeting Davide Dato, the Italian ballet star who’s finally hitting the headlines in his homeland

Coppélia with Vadim Muntagirov and Marianela Nunez, photo by Bill Cooper ROH

Interview: The Royal Ballet’s Ballet Master, Christopher Carr, on mounting Coppélia, the company’s dancers and technique

GALA FRACCI - L'heure exquise - Alessandra Ferri Carsten Jung - photo by Brescia e Amisano © Teatro alla Scala (4)

[Interview] Alessandra Ferri, part two: “When dance saved me”

Zubin Mehta, photo Brescia e Amisano

Zubin Mehta reflects on a life in music on the eve of his 85th birthday

Nunez headshot cropped

In conversation with Marianela Nuñez

Alessandra Ferri an Eleonora Duse © Kiran West

Alessandra Ferri: The art of becoming a couple is the gamble of a lifetime

G-100x100

GRAMILANO

Graham Spicer, aka 'Gramilano', is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.

Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.

He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.

Since 2022, Gramilano has been pleased to welcome guest authors: Paul Arrowsmith, Donatella Bertozzi, Georgina Butler, Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel, Jonathan Gray, Marina Harss, Ann Haskins, Lily Hyde, Marta Mele, Matthew Paluch, Jann Parry, Lucía Piquero, Graham Watts, Deborah Weiss, and Lydia Wharf.

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