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- dance, opera, photography...

Antonella Albano

Review: Nureyev’s The Sleeping Beauty at La Scala – thrilling in its eccentricity

23 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Martina Arduino in Sleeping Beauty, photo Brescia e Amisano (c) Teatro alla Scala (1)

Graham Spicer sees Rudolf Nureyev's The Sleeping Beauty at La Scala with an electrifying Martina Arduino as Aurora. TitleThe Sleeping BeautyCompanyBallet of La ScalaVenueTeatro alla Scala, MilanDate9 … [Read more...] about Review: Nureyev’s The Sleeping Beauty at La Scala – thrilling in its eccentricity

Review: Gala Fracci 2025 – Marianela Nuñez and Reece Clarke join La Scala Ballet to celebrate Carla Fracci

21 May 2025 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Onegin with Nicoletta Manni and Reece Clarke (1) - photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2025

Graham Spicer sees Gala Fracci, La Scala’s annual festa to celebrate the great Italian ballerina Carla Fracci who died in 2021, now in its fourth edition. TitleGala FracciCompanyLa Scala … [Read more...] about Review: Gala Fracci 2025 – Marianela Nuñez and Reece Clarke join La Scala Ballet to celebrate Carla Fracci

Review: Peer Gynt at La Scala – an outstanding, spellbinding performance

26 April 2025 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Garon, Turnbull, Bianchi and the corps de ballet ph Brescia e Amisano (c)Teatro alla Scala

Graham Spicer sees La Scala Ballet in Edward Clug’s Peer Gynt that demonstrates the breadth of the company’s talent, with an impressive Navrin Turnbull in the title role. TitlePeer GyntCompanyLa … [Read more...] about Review: Peer Gynt at La Scala – an outstanding, spellbinding performance

[Review] La Scala’s Gala Fracci shows a company in spectacular form

13 May 2024 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Donizetti pas de deux - Alice Mariani, Nicola Del Freo, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

Gala Fracci at La Scala has reached its third edition. It was La Scala Ballet’s director, Manuel Legris, who had the idea to stage an annual gala dedicated to the great Italian ballerina who died in … [Read more...] about [Review] La Scala’s Gala Fracci shows a company in spectacular form

[Review] Contemporary dance triple bill at La Scala – Simone Valastro’s spectacular Memento will not be forgotten

25 February 2024 by Gramilano 1 Comment

05 - MEMENTO, photo by Brescia e Amisano (c) Teatro alla Scala

Graham Spicer sees La Scala's "Smith/León and Lightfoot/Valastro" contemporary dance triple bill in Milan TitleSmith/León and Lightfoot/ValastroCompanyLa Scala BalletVenueTeatro alla Scala, … [Read more...] about [Review] Contemporary dance triple bill at La Scala – Simone Valastro’s spectacular Memento will not be forgotten

A new triple bill of contemporary choreographers at La Scala

2 February 2024 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

MEMENTO - photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

From 7 to 18 February, a new triple bill of contemporary choreographers at La Scala After the success of Alexei Ratmansky’s Coppélia La Scala Ballet changes direction abruptly with a triple bill of … [Read more...] about A new triple bill of contemporary choreographers at La Scala

[Review] Le Corsaire at La Scala – if it ain’t broke, why try to fix it?

25 March 2023 by Gramilano 1 Comment

19 - Alice Mariani, Mattia Semperboni, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. How odd then, that at La Scala, the applauded version of Le Corsaire by Anna-Marie Holmes has been substituted for that by the Milanese company’s director, Manuel … [Read more...] about [Review] Le Corsaire at La Scala – if it ain’t broke, why try to fix it?

LaScalaTv, La Scala’s new streaming platform, is now live

15 February 2023 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Madina - Roberto Bolle, Antonella Albano and the corps de ballet, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

Yesterday was the first live stream from LaScalaTv (of I Vespri siciliani with a superb cast) and other operas, ballets, concerts and recitals will follow. La Scala has been building up a catalogue … [Read more...] about LaScalaTv, La Scala’s new streaming platform, is now live

[Photo album] Sneak peek at tonight’s return of Nureyev’s Nutcracker in Milan

17 December 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

39 - Nutcracker with Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko. Photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

Tonight, La Scala Ballet’s season kicks off with the return of Rudolf Nureyev’s Nutcracker, last performed in the theatre in 2006. The following photo album was of tonight’s opening cast at a … [Read more...] about [Photo album] Sneak peek at tonight’s return of Nureyev’s Nutcracker in Milan

Wayne McGregor fascinates with his new double-bill at La Scala: AfteRite + LORE

11 July 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

19 - AfteRite - Alessandra Ferri, photo Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

Though Wayne McGregor’s choreography sometimes seems to ‘go against’ the music, it provokes fascinating revelations and is, however, always extremely musical. In his 2014 work Kairos, to Max Richter’s … [Read more...] about Wayne McGregor fascinates with his new double-bill at La Scala: AfteRite + LORE

[Review] Madina – a courageous new dance work at La Scala

25 October 2021 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Madina - 52 - Antonella Albano and Roberto Bolle, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

La Scala’s commission of a score from the prominent Italian composer Fabio Vacchi was ambitious in its scale and subject. The new dance work, Madina, choreographed by Mauro Bigonzetti, sees the … [Read more...] about [Review] Madina – a courageous new dance work at La Scala

[Photo Album] Madina – Bigonzetti’s new ballet at La Scala

2 October 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Madina - 19 - Gabriele Corrado and the corps de ballet, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

La Scala presents the world premiere of Fabio Vacchi's Madina with choreography by Mauro Bigonzetti based on a libretto by Emmanuelle de Villepin, inspired by her novel La ragazza che non voleva … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] Madina – Bigonzetti’s new ballet at La Scala

Rehearsal photos: Madina, a new ballet with Roberto Bolle and Antonella Albano

9 September 2021 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Roberto Bolle e Antonella Albano, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala crop

The first performance of La Scala Ballet this season will take place on 1 October when Madina will finally receive its world premiere. Mauro Bigonzetti’s new work was due to open on 22 March last year … [Read more...] about Rehearsal photos: Madina, a new ballet with Roberto Bolle and Antonella Albano

La Scala’s enthralling Contemporary Evening is a triumph

12 July 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

BIRDS WALKING ON WATER - Mick Zeni and company, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala (7)

The Contemporary Evening was a triumph, with seven works: a contemporary ‘classic’, some lesser-known pieces, and a new creation. La Scala is finding it difficult to attract audiences back to the … [Read more...] about La Scala’s enthralling Contemporary Evening is a triumph

Ballet Gala from La Scala: Evening of Great Choreographers

2 May 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Paquita - photo by Andrea Tamoni © Teatro alla Scala

The latest gala from La Scala as part of its programming for online streaming videos, and recorded without an audience present in the theatre, is Serata Grandi Coreografi (Evening of Great … [Read more...] about Ballet Gala from La Scala: Evening of Great Choreographers

A Covid-free La Scala to stream its gala ‘A Tribute to Nureyev’

22 March 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Raymonda - Virna Toppi, Nicola Del Freo e il Corpo di Ballo, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala-02

The A Tribute to Nureyev gala from La Scala, was due to be streamed on 28 February, but the recording was cancelled two hours before curtain-up when a weak positive case of Covid-19 was found in one … [Read more...] about A Covid-free La Scala to stream its gala ‘A Tribute to Nureyev’

Tribute to Nureyev – free ballet gala streaming from La Scala

25 February 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Lo schiaccianoci 1979/1980

A strong thread ties Rudolf Nureyev to La Scala, where he was acclaimed not only as a dancer but also as a choreographer. Nureyev has equally strong ties to La Scala Ballet's new director, Manuel … [Read more...] about Tribute to Nureyev – free ballet gala streaming from La Scala

Giselle: free streamed performance from La Scala with two casts

30 January 2021 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Giselle, Act Two, photo Brescia e Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

Giselle will be streamed from La Scala this evening, Saturday 30 January, at 20.00 CET. The ballet was filmed over two days, without an audience, and will be offered to viewers worldwide via the state … [Read more...] about Giselle: free streamed performance from La Scala with two casts

Carla Fracci and Manuel Legris’ Giselle masterclass from La Scala online

20 January 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Carla Fracci 1964 Giselle photo Erio Piccagliani crop

La Scala will stream a new recording of Giselle on 30 January. There will be two casts in the principal roles, including a debut, with eight of the company’s principal dancers and soloists in Yvette … [Read more...] about Carla Fracci and Manuel Legris’ Giselle masterclass from La Scala online

La Scala UN documentary-dance gala, tonight at 6pm (CET)

22 October 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Ballet Gala Le Corsaire - Martina Arduino, Marco Agostino and Mattia Semperboni, photo by Brescia e Amisano Teatro alla Scala

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Foundation of the United Nations, Teatro alla Scala, following on the initiative of the Italian Permanent Representation to the United Nations, together … [Read more...] about La Scala UN documentary-dance gala, tonight at 6pm (CET)

[Review and Photos] La Scala Ballet Gala sees dance return to its stage, with Ferri, Bonelli, Zakharova and Bolle

3 October 2020 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Ballet Gala - Le Parc - Alessandra Ferri Federico Bonelli, photo by Brescia e Amisano Teatro alla Scala

On 23 September, La Scala opened its doors for dance for the first time since February. It was a gala which had four showings, the last being yesterday. Social distancing in the auditorium was … [Read more...] about [Review and Photos] La Scala Ballet Gala sees dance return to its stage, with Ferri, Bonelli, Zakharova and Bolle

La Scala’s principal dancers to celebrate International Dance Day

28 April 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Corps de ballet photo by Marco Brescia Teatro alla Scala

International Dance Day is a global celebration of dance. It has been celebrated each year since 1982 on 29 April, which is the anniversary of the birth of Jean-Georges … [Read more...] about La Scala’s principal dancers to celebrate International Dance Day

Photo Album: Rehearsal photos of La Scala’s new mixed bill with Roberto Bolle, Manni, Coviello, Arduino and company

17 January 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Le Jeune homme et la Mort with Roberto Bolle and Nicoletta Manni, photo by Brescia e Amisano Teatro alla Scala (10)

Serata van Manen – Petit, (Van Manen and Petit Evening) opens at La Scala on 23 January. The evening consists of five gems from Hans van Manen and Roland Petit. The three van Manen pieces are Adagio … [Read more...] about Photo Album: Rehearsal photos of La Scala’s new mixed bill with Roberto Bolle, Manni, Coviello, Arduino and company

Manuel Legris’ Sylvia shows La Scala’s dancers on top form

5 January 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Sylvia Martina Arduino, Claudio Coviello photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2019 23

Sylvia opened the 2019-2020 ballet season at La Scala. It is a co-production with the Wiener Staatsballett where it opened in November 2018. There have been no changes to Luisa Spinatelli’s sets and … [Read more...] about Manuel Legris’ Sylvia shows La Scala’s dancers on top form

Photo Album: First Night at La Scala with “Sylvia” in a New Production

17 December 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Sylvia Martina Arduino photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2019 20

Sylvia Photos of the opening night of Sylvia, with choreography by Manuel Legris, starring Martina Arduino, Claudio Coviello, Nicola Del Freo, Christian Fagetti, Maria Celeste Losa and … [Read more...] about Photo Album: First Night at La Scala with “Sylvia” in a New Production

Review: Giselle at La Scala with Zakharova/Hallberg, Manni/Andrijashenko, Valerio/Coviello

16 October 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Giselle is one of La Scala Ballet’s international calling cards. Together with Nureyev’s Don Quixote, this production has been seen all over the world, and rightly so. The company dances it … [Read more...] about Review: Giselle at La Scala with Zakharova/Hallberg, Manni/Andrijashenko, Valerio/Coviello

In with the old – La Scala returns to Nureyev’s Sleeping Beauty

7 July 2019 by Gramilano 1 Comment

49 The Sleeping Beauty, with Polina Semionova and Timofej Andrijashenko

If there is a ballet that belongs to La Scala, it’s Rudolf Nureyev’s production of The Sleeping Beauty, created for the ballet company in 1966 with Carla Fracci and Nureyev in the main roles. It was … [Read more...] about In with the old – La Scala returns to Nureyev’s Sleeping Beauty

Winterreise at La Scala rejoices in Angelin Preljocaj’s sublimely melodic choreography

17 February 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Winterreise by Angelin Preljocaj, photo by Brescia and Amisano with Marco Messina and Alessandra Vassallo

Winterreise is Angelin Preljocaj’s latest creation, danced to the complete Schubert cycle of Lieder. I stand by my arguments that a large theatre like La Scala is not the right theatre for a piece … [Read more...] about Winterreise at La Scala rejoices in Angelin Preljocaj’s sublimely melodic choreography

Photo Album: first look at Preljocaj’s new piece Winterreise for La Scala

22 January 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Angelin Preljocaj's Winterreise , photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2019 05

Winterreise by Angelin Preljocaj New commission from Teatro alla Scala in Milan - runs from 24 January to 9 March 2019 Winterreise Franz Schubert Running Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Teatro alla … [Read more...] about Photo Album: first look at Preljocaj’s new piece Winterreise for La Scala

Lescaut almost steals the show among excellent performances in Manon at La Scala

28 October 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Emanuela Montanari As Manon, Photo By Brescia E Amisano (2)

I wonder how many reviews of Manon start by appraising the portrayal of Lescaut. A very important character of course, but certainly he has less plot points or stage time than Des Grieux and the … [Read more...] about Lescaut almost steals the show among excellent performances in Manon at La Scala

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Gramilano newsletter 2019

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GRAMILANO

Graham Spicer, aka 'Gramilano', is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.

Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.

He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.

Since 2022, Gramilano has been pleased to welcome guest authors: Paul Arrowsmith, Donatella Bertozzi, Georgina Butler, Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel, Jonathan Gray, Marina Harss, Ann Haskins, Lily Hyde, Marta Mele, Matthew Paluch, Jann Parry, Lucía Piquero, Graham Watts, Deborah Weiss, and Lydia Wharf.

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