Of course, it was not a simple path and fraught with difficulties, which put everyone to the test, but which allowed the theatre to achieve undeniable results.After the surprising accusations from the unions representing the dancers at the Rome Opera Ballet about Eleonora Abbagnato’s bad behaviour, she has decided that it is time to speak out and put forward her side of the … [Read more...] about Eleonora Abbagnato: Rome Opera Ballet is at an international level through my enthusiasm and dedication
interview
Royal Ballet’s Valentino Zucchetti is Mercutio in the Kobborg-Polunin-Cojocaru Romeo and Juliet
On the 26 August, there will be a single performance only of Johan Kobborg’s new production of Romeo and Juliet with Sergei Polunin and Alina Cojocaru in the title roles. But when the theatre in Verona’s vast Arena with 30,000 seats it is the equivalent of a 15-performance run in an opera house.Joining them on stage will be The Royal Ballet’s First Soloist, Valentino … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet’s Valentino Zucchetti is Mercutio in the Kobborg-Polunin-Cojocaru Romeo and Juliet
Interview with contralto Delphine Galou: “making music together with love”
Two new recordings for Naïve's Vivaldi Edition have just been released by the Accademia Bizantina, conducted by Ottavio Dantone. These albums are the 59th and 60th in the series which aims to record the entire archive of Vivaldi’s work – nearly 450 works – housed in the Italian National Library in Turin.French contralto Delphine Galou is the soloist on both albums: Musica … [Read more...] about Interview with contralto Delphine Galou: “making music together with love”
Alek Shrader directs Dido & Aeneas in the Catacombs of New York
Henry Purcell's Dido & Aeneas will be presented in the Catacombs of the Green-Wood Cemetery, in Brooklyn, New York, with performances from 4 – 8 June. The run will launch the second season of the The Angel’s Share series, which continues until October.Tenor Alek Shrader will be directing and he’s chosen to incorporate spoken dialogue from Christopher Marlowe's play Dido, … [Read more...] about Alek Shrader directs Dido & Aeneas in the Catacombs of New York
Bella Ratchinskaia and Manuel Legris talk about the abuse allegations at Vienna State Opera’s Ballet Academy
Accusations of abuse at Vienna State Opera’s Ballet Academy quickly travelled the world, from The Guardian to the New York Times which began its article with,The Vienna State Opera’s ballet academy vowed to reform its practices after former students and staff said dancers as young as 11 were kicked, scratched and handled roughly in classes.Others said they were regularly … [Read more...] about Bella Ratchinskaia and Manuel Legris talk about the abuse allegations at Vienna State Opera’s Ballet Academy
Franco Zeffirelli, at 96, on Anna Magnani and Maria Callas, his career, and old age
On 21 June Franco Zeffirelli’s new production of La traviata opens at Verona’s gigantic arena. He’s 96.On Anna Magnani and Maria CallasAnna Magnani and Maria Callas were two goddesses but with difficult characters. Anna wanted to see me and asked to come to dinner, as long we could be alone so that we could chat easily. I said ok, but shortly after Maria called me, needing … [Read more...] about Franco Zeffirelli, at 96, on Anna Magnani and Maria Callas, his career, and old age
Interview with Alessandra Ferri: Maturing I find myself smiling more
I’m enjoying a new chapter in my life having the fortune to play women of my age and not romantic roles like the Giselles, Carmens, Juliets, Manons… all wonderful, but enough, they’re part of another Alessandra. Now I’m a 55-year-old with the knowledge of how extraordinary that is.Alessandra Ferri, now in Milan for a run of Wayne McGregor’s Woolf Works, created for her at The … [Read more...] about Interview with Alessandra Ferri: Maturing I find myself smiling more
Woolf Works at La Scala – McGregor, Richter, Ferri and Bonelli talk about making the ballet
Wayne McGregorWe're so excited to bring Woolf Works to La Scala. It’s an amazing historic stage and the work is going to be fantastic in this theatre. The company is incredible and we've been really pleased to work with them over these last few weeks.I’m also excited because I made it with these two amazing Italian dancers [Alessandra Ferri and Federico Bonelli]. I thought … [Read more...] about Woolf Works at La Scala – McGregor, Richter, Ferri and Bonelli talk about making the ballet
Interview: For The Royal Ballet’s Yasmine Naghdi it’s “Ready, Steady, Go”!
Interview with Yasmine Naghdi as she dances in the world premiere of Alastair Marriott’s The Unknown Soldier - with photos by Dasa WhartonI last interviewed Yasmine Naghdi in September of 2015 when she and Matthew Ball were preparing to dance Romeo and Juliet together. They were dancing the roles for the first time — she was a Soloist and he a First Artist.Time passes … [Read more...] about Interview: For The Royal Ballet’s Yasmine Naghdi it’s “Ready, Steady, Go”!
Interview: Carmen Giannattasio on her first Tosca, Lady Gaga, and homicide
Soprano Carmen Giannattasio has been in demand since she was thrust before the public eye when she won both the First Prize and the Audience Award at Placido Domingo’s Operalia in Paris in 2002.She took on one of the most challenging soprano roles soon after, singing Violetta La Traviata. Reviewing a 2007 performance at Scottish Opera, Rupert Christiansen wrote in the Daily … [Read more...] about Interview: Carmen Giannattasio on her first Tosca, Lady Gaga, and homicide