Q&AWhen did you start singing? When I was 6 years old.Why did you start singing? My Dad.Which singer inspired you most when you were young? My Dad, my sister, and Leontyne PriceWhich singer do you most admire? My Dad and Leontyne Price.What’s your favourite role? Violetta and Tosca.What role have you never played but would like to? Salome.What’s your favourite … [Read more...] about Angel Blue answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
music & opera
The play Quartet and the Giuseppe Verdi Rest Home, both in Milan
The Casa di Riposo per Musicisti (Rest Home for Musicians) in Milan is known simply as Casa Verdi (The Verdi Home) and, although Giuseppe Verdi never lived there, his body is buried there, together with that of his wife, Giuseppina Strepponi (the first Abigaille in the premiere of the composer’s Nabucco at La Scala in 1842).The performing rights of Verdi’s operas paid for the … [Read more...] about The play Quartet and the Giuseppe Verdi Rest Home, both in Milan
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
Krassimira Stoyanova’s commanding recital at La Scala
Krassimira Stoyanova opened her mouth to sing and the most extraordinarily rounded, warm, yet potent sound filled La Scala's auditorium. She has a rare technique which recalls the grandeur of singers of the past that most of us have heard only in recordings. Her large sound is easily brought down to pianissmo, and the contrasts in tone and volume, her intelligent phrasing, and … [Read more...] about Krassimira Stoyanova’s commanding recital at La Scala
Countertenor Philippe Jaroussky talks about his new album “Ombra mai fu”
French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky explores the arias of Francesco Cavalli on his new album Ombra mai fu, which was released digitally on 8 March and physically on CD and vinyl on 22 March.Why Cavalli? Jaroussky says,Beyond the great musical interest that Cavalli offers, his operas are notable for their richness and modernity, and for the diversity and complexity of … [Read more...] about Countertenor Philippe Jaroussky talks about his new album “Ombra mai fu”