Alessandro Manzoni died in Milan on 22 May 1873, 150 years ago. The Milanese poet, novelist and philosopher is famous for his novel I promessi sposi (The Betrothed, 1827), which is full of … [Read more...] about [Interview] Riccardo Frizza conducts the Verdi Requiem on the 150th anniversary of Manzoni’s death
Anna Bolena
Mariella Devia’s extraordinary three queens at the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo
How extraordinary is Mariella Devia. In 2006 she gave her final performances as Lucia di Lammermoor at La Scala, leaving the public astonished that she was saying goodbye to the role after witnessing … [Read more...] about Mariella Devia’s extraordinary three queens at the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo
Maria Callas on Stage – a new exhibition at La Scala
Maria Callas in scena - Gli anni alla Scala (Maria Callas on Stage – the La Scala Years) runs from 15 September to 31 January at La Scala’s museum, which is housed in the same building as the … [Read more...] about Maria Callas on Stage – a new exhibition at La Scala
Maria Callas in newly restored photos from the La Scala archive
"Silence - Recording in Progress" reads the sign, as Maria Callas arrives at La Scala to record Il trovatore in 1956. More than any other theatre, Callas is linked with the great opera house in Milan. … [Read more...] about Maria Callas in newly restored photos from the La Scala archive
A first listen to the new Maria Callas Live: Remastered Live Recordings 1949-1964
More than a gift to their own coffers, Warner Classics in releasing Maria Callas Live is giving fans of La Divina and lovers of opera a meticulously restored collection of some of her finest … [Read more...] about A first listen to the new Maria Callas Live: Remastered Live Recordings 1949-1964
Fiorenza Cossotto answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? When I was a girl. Why did you start singing? For my own personal enjoyment. Which singer inspired you most when you were young? No one. Which … [Read more...] about Fiorenza Cossotto answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Anna Netrebko talks after the opening of Anna Bolena: There’s so much hatred!
On Anna Bolena "It's like nothing I've ever done before! You're practically shouting in the lower register for half the opera. [Donizetti] wants that nasty, chesty voice — he wants it to sound … [Read more...] about Anna Netrebko talks after the opening of Anna Bolena: There’s so much hatred!
Critics Round-up: Anna Netrebko in Anna Bolena
This was very much Anna Netrebko's Anna Bolena. True, it is the title role, but the other characters have to work quite hard too. Her face was emoting from every review, and so here's a round-up of … [Read more...] about Critics Round-up: Anna Netrebko in Anna Bolena
Italian theatre designer Luisa Spinatelli is honoured at La Scala
Last night in the glamorous foyer of the La Scala Theatre (Ridotto dei Palchi 'Arturo Toscanini') the Amici della Scala awarded an Honorary Membership of the society to Italian theatre designer Luisa … [Read more...] about Italian theatre designer Luisa Spinatelli is honoured at La Scala