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 the perfection of her voice at 58. The day after her 65th birthday she sang Norma for the first time — a role she had said only a few years previously that she would never take on … [Read more...] about Mariella Devia’s extraordinary three queens at the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo
Anna Bolena
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 theatre.The Italian theatre designer, Margherita Palli, has overseen the exhibition which contains 14 of La Divina’s costumes, the necklace and earrings worn during the first act … [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. She recorded many of the 'studio' recordings there when the theatre was closed for the summer break, and gave some of her most memorable performances on its famous stage at the … [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 performances to treasure. It is timed to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of her death in Paris on 16 September 1977.The 42 CDs contain 20 complete operas, and three Blu-ray discs hold … [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 italianoWhen 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 singer do you most admire? The good ones.What’s your favourite role? More than one... all the masterpieces.What role have you never played but would have … [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 uncomfortable!""It's asking so much of the nerves, the body, the emotion. There's so much hatred! I never thought I could be so angry." On "Manca solo a compire il delitto" when she … [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 what the critic's had to say about Anna as Anna at the Met.Anne Midgette's review for The Washington Post loved the voice, but was surprised about our diva's reaction to the … [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 Spinatelli. She is one of several Italian designers who, outside of 'la moda', continue to make their mark in theatre and cinema.Spinatelli has long been long associated … [Read more...] about Italian theatre designer Luisa Spinatelli is honoured at La Scala