Guest author Paul Arrowsmith talks to Tom Pye, the designer of The Royal Ballet’s new production of Cinderella. Tom Pye has reimagined anew Frederick Ashton’s 75-year-old ballet Cinderella, for The … [Read more...] about [Interview] Designer Tom Pye on death threats, Cinderella – and cowboys
Benjamin Britten
The lonely father – Jonathan Gray reviews a new biography of the choreographer John Cranko
I’ve always been interested in how some theatrical works survive the years, and some do not. Giacomo Meyerbeer, for example, was probably the most famous opera composer of the middle years of the 19th … [Read more...] about The lonely father – Jonathan Gray reviews a new biography of the choreographer John Cranko
[Review] Birmingham Royal Ballet triple bill ‘Into the Music’
Guest author Matthew Paluch sees the Birmingham Royal Ballet triple bill 'Into the Music': Kylián's Forgotten Land; Runacre-Temple's Hotel; Scholz's The Seventh Symphony TitleInto the … [Read more...] about [Review] Birmingham Royal Ballet triple bill ‘Into the Music’
David Hallberg dances with the Australian Ballet for a live-streamed programme
The Australian Ballet presents Kunstkamer, one of the most ambitious contemporary dance productions to appear in the company’s repertoire. It will be streamed live from the Arts Centre in Melbourne … [Read more...] about David Hallberg dances with the Australian Ballet for a live-streamed programme
The Royal Opera House: opera, ballet, cinema in 2022
In January 2022, The Royal Opera Company will celebrate its 75th anniversary. On 14 January 1947, the 'Covent Garden Opera Company' (its name was changed to The Royal Opera in 1968) performed Carmen. … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera House: opera, ballet, cinema in 2022
On Site Opera presents Britten’s The Turn of the Screw at the stunning Wave Hill estate in the Bronx
On Site Opera will present Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw, at Wave Hill, a stunning 28-acre historic estate and now public gardens in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, from 25 to 27 … [Read more...] about On Site Opera presents Britten’s The Turn of the Screw at the stunning Wave Hill estate in the Bronx
Balanchine’s Dream sprinkles its magic fairy dust over La Scala for the last time
In the ‘60s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream was all the rage: Benjamin Britten’s opera premiered in 1960, Balanchine’s ballet opened in 1962, Ashton’s The Dream came along in 1964, and Peter Hall’s film … [Read more...] about Balanchine’s Dream sprinkles its magic fairy dust over La Scala for the last time
Joyce DiDonato reveals her Desert Island Discs
Music runs to the very core of mezzosoprano Joyce DiDonato, guest on yesterday’s BBC Radio 4’s long-running and beautifully judged programme, Desert Island Discs. Even if she is tired before a … [Read more...] about Joyce DiDonato reveals her Desert Island Discs
Photos – First look at Britten’s Turn of the Screw at La Scala
Benjamin Britten’s masterpiece Turn of the Screw opens tonight at La Scala and runs until 17 October. It will be the first time that the opera has been sung in English at the theatre as it’s … [Read more...] about Photos – First look at Britten’s Turn of the Screw at La Scala
Benjamin Britten in photos with Frederick Ashton, W H Auden, E M Forster et al
Rare photographs of Benjamin Britten including family and personal snapshots from his boyhood and professional life are on display at at the National Portrait Gallery, ahead of his centenary this … [Read more...] about Benjamin Britten in photos with Frederick Ashton, W H Auden, E M Forster et al
Pavarotti water, Bocelli wine, now Britten beer
San Pellegrino teamed up with the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation to create special bottles of Big Lucy mineral water. Andrea Bocelli, together with brother Alberto, produce a range of wines from … [Read more...] about Pavarotti water, Bocelli wine, now Britten beer
Britten and Pears’ admiration for Ravi Shankar: Unbelievable skill and invention
A 1950s note written on a letterhead when composer Benjamin Britten and his partner, the singer Peter Pears, were saying in Mumbai's Taj Mahal hotel has come to light, which shows their admiration for … [Read more...] about Britten and Pears’ admiration for Ravi Shankar: Unbelievable skill and invention
Benjamin Britten “had a knack for discovering child talent”
Janette Heffernan was the first girl to sing in the composer’s ghost opera. I first met him when I was aged 15, when he was looking for children for the Aldeburgh premiere of Noye’s Fludde, in 1958. … [Read more...] about Benjamin Britten “had a knack for discovering child talent”
A gay painter, an outraged headmistress, and Billy Elliott’s literary dad: opera and homophobia up north
Lee Hall, the creator of Billy Elliott, has caused a Twitter storm accusing Opera North of being homophobic. He is the librettist of 'Bleached', an exciting project based in Bridlington, East … [Read more...] about A gay painter, an outraged headmistress, and Billy Elliott’s literary dad: opera and homophobia up north
