Today, La Scala announced a project to widen the knowledge and appreciation of Baroque music, in a country that has produced so much, yet now often overlooks a genre that is booming in other parts of the world.Cecilia Bartoli — who made a guest appearance last night at the end of Javier Camarena’s Italian debut concert as part of the Pavia Sacred Music Festival— will be … [Read more...] about Cecilia Bartoli Baroque Project announced at La Scala – Giulio Cesare, Semele, Ariodante
Claudio Abbado
Franco Vassallo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italianoWhen did you start singing? When I was 11 to a disc of Rigoletto with Gobbi, Callas and Di Stefano; a blanket on my shoulder and an umbrella served as my cloak and sword!Above all I loved "La donna è mobile" and the role of the Duke of Mantua; my voice would crack but I didn’t give in!Why did you start singing? Because I thought it was … [Read more...] about Franco Vassallo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Luciano Pavarotti, 10 years after his death, celebrated in exclusive photos from the La Scala archives
Luciano Pavarotti died ten years ago today, on 6 September 2007.Teatro alla Scala continually welcomed the great tenor to its stage for almost three decades, from 1965 until 1992. At the Milanese opera house he sang under the baton of Abbado, Prêtre, Kleiber, Patané, Gavazzeni, Karajan, Maazel and Muti. Pavarotti worked extensively with La Scala's current Musical … [Read more...] about Luciano Pavarotti, 10 years after his death, celebrated in exclusive photos from the La Scala archives
Frederica von Stade answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&AWhen did you start singing? Maybe at 5.Why did you start singing? I always loved to sing anywhere, anytime.Which singer inspired you most when you were young? Gwen Verdon, Julie Andrews.Which singer do you most admire? It’s hard to choose... favourites are Janet Baker, Susan Graham, Richard Stilwell, Joyce DiDonato, Kiri Te Kanawa.What’s your … [Read more...] about Frederica von Stade answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Joyce DiDonato and other winners of the BBC Music Magazine Awards 2015
Joyce DiDonato is this year's winner in the Vocal category of the BBC Music Magazine Awards. This is the tenth edition of the awards which are voted for by readers of BBC Music Magazine and classical music lovers around the world. DiDonato won for her album Stella di Napoli.The Magazine's five-sate review stated, Joyce DiDonato’s love letter to Neapolitan ‘bel canto’ is … [Read more...] about Joyce DiDonato and other winners of the BBC Music Magazine Awards 2015
Happy 80th Birthday Mirella Freni… from La Scala – in photos and video
Mirella Freni is eighty, and to celebrate her birthday La Scala threw open its doors to her fans and opera lovers to see the great soprano once again on the stage that was hers for so many years.A feisty Freni strode onstage and seemed surprised and visibly moved by the long standing ovation. She was not there to sing, though she says she still has the voice, but with … [Read more...] about Happy 80th Birthday Mirella Freni… from La Scala – in photos and video
Luca Ronconi, Italian director of theatre and opera, dies at 81
Italian director Luca Ronconi died yesterday evening in the Policlinico in Milan after a short illness. His health had been poor over the last years, he was on dialysis, and was complicated by pneumonia. He was 81. His collaboration with La Scala lasted for over thirty years and today the flag outside the theatre is flying at half-mast, and Riccardo Muti will dedicate tonight's … [Read more...] about Luca Ronconi, Italian director of theatre and opera, dies at 81
La Scala complete Symphonic and Recital programme: 2014 — 2015
Symphonic Programme 29, 30 September, 1 October 2014 Orchestra e Coro del Teatro alla Scala Conductor: Zubin MehtaFranz Joseph Haydn Die Schöpfung Hob. XXI:2 OratorioJulia Kleiter, soprano Peter Sonn, tenor Thomas E. Bauer, bass - baritone Chorus Master: Bruno Casoni 12, 14, 15 November 2014 Filarmonica della Scala Conductor and … [Read more...] about La Scala complete Symphonic and Recital programme: 2014 — 2015
Peace is made, Bartoli’s back, and La Scala’s new season is announced
Well finally the Expo-season 2014-2015 at La Scala has been announced, with Alexander Pereira sitting chummily next to the smiling Milan mayor, Giuliano Pisapia. After the intrigue around the programming which caused the press conference to announce plans for the new season to be shelved, Pereira has accepted the terms to stay as the head of La Scala only until the end of next … [Read more...] about Peace is made, Bartoli’s back, and La Scala’s new season is announced
Medici.tv gives free access to their entire catalogue on World Music Day
World Music Day is a connected set of free public events which takes place each year on the 21st June, midsummer's day; it's also my birthday, but I don't think that's why it was chosen. Last year there were events in 108 countries and 726 cities around the world.For Music Day 2014, medici.tv are offering its full catalogue entirely free for 24 … [Read more...] about Medici.tv gives free access to their entire catalogue on World Music Day