The Royal Opera Season will open with a new production of Verdi’s Rigoletto, directed by Oliver Mears – his first production since becoming The Royal Opera’s Director of Opera in 2017. This new … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera House 2021-2022 opera season
Angela Gheorghiu
The Royal Opera reveals plans for the 2021-2022 season
In the first complete season since 2019, The Royal Opera has announced its early plans for its 2021-2022 season. Detailed information will be announced on 1 June. The Live Cinema season and digital … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera reveals plans for the 2021-2022 season
Colleagues support Vittorio Grigolo as he replies to being fired by the Royal Opera House and the Met
The Royal Opera House has announced its decision to fire 42-year-old tenor Vittorio Grigolo after an independent enquiry about his conduct in Japan – which resulted in a ‘brawl’ – when he was with the … [Read more...] about Colleagues support Vittorio Grigolo as he replies to being fired by the Royal Opera House and the Met
Interview with Angela Gheorghiu on Draculina, Kaufmann, capriciousness and corruption
The autobiography of outspoken soprano Angela Gheorghiu — Angela Gheorghiu: A Life for Art — comes out in October. Her candidness will obviously make for fascinating reading. In an interview with the … [Read more...] about Interview with Angela Gheorghiu on Draculina, Kaufmann, capriciousness and corruption
Angela Gheorghiu’s releases first studio recording in six years: Eternamente – The Verismo Album
The studio recording - her first in six years - explores the generation of Italian composers that followed Verdi, including three duets with tenor Joseph Calleja Eternamente - The Verismo … [Read more...] about Angela Gheorghiu’s releases first studio recording in six years: Eternamente – The Verismo Album
Joyce DiDonato joins opera singers from 70 years of Desert Island Discs
As a committed fan of BBC 4's Desert Island Discs, I am delighted that Joyce DiDonato will be revealing her list of eight recordings, a book and a luxury item that she would take if she was to be cast … [Read more...] about Joyce DiDonato joins opera singers from 70 years of Desert Island Discs
ROYAL OPERA SEASON 2016 – 2017: theatre, cinema and radio
All the details of the 2016-2017 Opera Season at London's Royal Opera House: skip to section: ROYAL OPERA 2016-2017 SEASON - IN BRIEF THE ROYAL OPERA 2016-2017 SEASON THE ROYAL OPERA SEASON … [Read more...] about ROYAL OPERA SEASON 2016 – 2017: theatre, cinema and radio
Cecilia Bartoli to sing Maria in West Side Story
At next year's Salzburg Whitsun Festival, Cecilia Bartoli will sing Maria in West Side Story! The exclamation mark is my surprise at the announcement, though I have no doubt that hers will be a lively … [Read more...] about Cecilia Bartoli to sing Maria in West Side Story
Angela Gheorghiu reveals Alagna’s pathological jealousy of Kaufmann
I'm in love and happy. His name's Mihai Ciortea and he's Romanian like me. He's good-looking, kind and very, very young. Angela Gheorghiu is talking about her new partner who is twenty-two years her … [Read more...] about Angela Gheorghiu reveals Alagna’s pathological jealousy of Kaufmann
Frank Lopardo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
When did you start singing? I have been singing singing since I was small boy. However, my first official voice lesson was in September of 1977. The teacher's name is Dr Robert White Jr. I have … [Read more...] about Frank Lopardo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Great tenor Carlo Bergonzi dies at 90
Carlo Bergonzi (born Polesine Parmense, 13 July 1924 – died Milan, 25 July 2014) Carlo Bergonzi, one of the greatest tenors of the 20th Century, died last night in Milan's Auxologico Institute, just … [Read more...] about Great tenor Carlo Bergonzi dies at 90
Gheorghiu the Diva vs Angela the Woman
Angela Gheorghiu acts the diva, but she doesn't seem to be one. Before her appearances in Italy she leaves bold statements in the newspapers - "I don't feel the shadow of Callas" - "La Scala should … [Read more...] about Gheorghiu the Diva vs Angela the Woman
Gheorghiu on Pereira: He’s always been strange.
On the eve of her recital at La Scala, Angela Gheorghiu told the Corriere della Sera what she thinks of Alexander Pereira. I can't imagine why he's done something so bizarre, naive, frankly … [Read more...] about Gheorghiu on Pereira: He’s always been strange.
Angela Gheorghiu falls ill as the curse of La Scala strikes again…
As already reported on this blog here, and here, the recital series at La Scala seems to have a generous share of bad luck when it comes to cancellations. There are only seven vocal recitals during … [Read more...] about Angela Gheorghiu falls ill as the curse of La Scala strikes again…
Leonard Slatkin explains the Conducting Business
Leonard Slatkin's gloriously entertaining and informative book, Conducting Business, is subtitled Unveiling the Mystery Behind the Maestro, and that is exactly what his book does, with wit, acute … [Read more...] about Leonard Slatkin explains the Conducting Business
Angela Gheorghiu’s Traviata aids ailing mice
Music has an important role in all human cultures and has been found to have direct and indirect effects on physiologic functions and clinical symptoms. Music can improve performance of reasoning … [Read more...] about Angela Gheorghiu’s Traviata aids ailing mice
Elīna Garanča triumphs at her La Scala début
Débuts at Milan's La Scala Opera House are notoriously tricky. In opera, singers worry about possible boos showering down from the famous loggionisti, though for a recital that isn't likely to … [Read more...] about Elīna Garanča triumphs at her La Scala début
Angela Gheorghiu risks the ire of Callas fans again with her new CD
In two weeks' time EMI will launch a new CD by Angela Gheorghiu: "Homage To Maria Callas - Favourite Opera Arias" In 2007 the soprano made her début at Milan's La Scala. Her first steps onto the … [Read more...] about Angela Gheorghiu risks the ire of Callas fans again with her new CD
Angela Gheorghiu: The Rolling Stones have a big sound. You know why? Because they are plugged in!
Angela Gheorghiu is in London to promote a season of Royal Opera House filmed performances, three starring herself. The Royal Opera House is striving to build up opera and ballet audiences by piping … [Read more...] about Angela Gheorghiu: The Rolling Stones have a big sound. You know why? Because they are plugged in!
Angela Gheorghiu talks about returning, on stage and off, with Roberto Alagna
In today's Sunday Telegraph, Angela Gheorghiu leaves a long interview with Julia Llewellyn Smith. She talks about her battles with opera producers and artistic directors. She also talks about Roberto … [Read more...] about Angela Gheorghiu talks about returning, on stage and off, with Roberto Alagna
Critics Round-up: the Royal Opera’s Faust
Gounod's Faust is, on the one hand, a gift for directors and performers - as Geoff Brown says in The Times, "It’s a Cecil B De Mille film directed by Bob Fosse, and Hell on Earth in more ways than … [Read more...] about Critics Round-up: the Royal Opera’s Faust
Plácido Domingo with Angela Gheorghiu “gesturing as if on a Heathrow runway bringing in a plane”
No prize for guessing who wore the best dresses. No prize, either, for picking the singer who came out on top and won our hearts. Gheorghiu’s soprano might be a fascinating mix of rich cream and … [Read more...] about Plácido Domingo with Angela Gheorghiu “gesturing as if on a Heathrow runway bringing in a plane”
La Scala’s 2011-2012 opera and ballet season announced
La Scala held a press conference this morning to announce its 2011-2012 season. How times, and timing, have changed. Just ten years ago the season was being presented in late June, with roles "to … [Read more...] about La Scala’s 2011-2012 opera and ballet season announced
