Last night, at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Anna Caterina Antonacci finished a long and successful run as Cassandra in Les Troyens. Two years ago she was in a very different situation playing Carmen at the Bastille. The Financial Times' one-star review was typical: "a costly mistake and an artistic disaster". I didn't believe in the concept by its director [Yves Beaunesne] at … [Read more...] about Anna Caterina Antonacci on collaborations: Abbado, Muti, Pappano… and a disastrous Carmen
Claudio Abbado
Milan’s tribute to Claudio Abbado – in words and pictures
An hour before Daniel Barenboim was scheduled to pick up his baton, there were already small groups of people huddled in various corners of Piazza della Scala in Milan. They were the first of thousands who came to pay tribute to Claudio Abbado.By the time the police cordoned off the square to cars and trams, the piazza was full, and still there were streams of music lovers … [Read more...] about Milan’s tribute to Claudio Abbado – in words and pictures
La Scala will stream Abbado tribute and Milan will plant 90,000 trees
In honour of Claudio Abbado, Milan's Teatro alla Scala will stream a live event for the first time, an event which has a particular importance for the theatre, and a symbolic one for the music world. On Monday 27 January, at 6 pm, the funeral march (Adagio assai) from Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony, the Eroica, will be performed to an empty theatre with open doors, in recognition of … [Read more...] about La Scala will stream Abbado tribute and Milan will plant 90,000 trees
Great Italian conductor Claudio Abbado dies at 80
Italian conductor Claudio Abbado, died this morning at the age of 80. He had been ill for several years, yet continued working until a couple of months ago. He was a greatly loved figure, with a big heart and gentle approach. He often conducted from memory, remarking that the use of a score signified that he hadn't studied the work enough. His last concerts were in late August … [Read more...] about Great Italian conductor Claudio Abbado dies at 80
Rosalind Plowright answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&AWhen did you start singing? Age 12. I had always sung before but only found my true voice at this age. My father was a bass player and had been playing in the orchestra for a performance of The Mikado. Whilst travelling back home I imitated the voice of Katisha and out came this big plummy rich sound... My father nearly drove off the road!Why did you start … [Read more...] about Rosalind Plowright answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Daniel Barenboim gets an early 70th birthday present in Berlin
On the eve of his 70th birthday, Daniel Barenboim has succeeded in launching a dream project: the creation of a music academy where young Arabs and Israelis will be able to train and study side by side.The Academy will cost nearly 30 million euros, and will be constructed in Berlin using the existing structure of the Staatsoper Unter den Linden's old storage building. Two … [Read more...] about Daniel Barenboim gets an early 70th birthday present in Berlin
Thomas Quasthoff has announced his retirement due to health issues
German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff has announced he is ending his singing career after nearly 40 years due to health issues.In a statement he said,"My health no longer allows me to live up the high standard that I have always set for my art and myself. I owe a lot to this wonderful profession and leave without a trace of bitterness. On the contrary, I am looking … [Read more...] about Thomas Quasthoff has announced his retirement due to health issues
Hélène Grimaud on her tiff with Claudio Abbado
Hélène Grimaud and conductor Claudio Abbado's falling out over the choice of cadenza is elaborated on by Grimaud, one of the top pianists in the world, in a lengthy profile this week in the New Yorker. There's a little bit of a parent-child relationship, where the parent always sees the child, no matter how old you get." she says, adding, Compromise, it has to be said, was … [Read more...] about Hélène Grimaud on her tiff with Claudio Abbado
Gramophone Magazine’s Classical Music Awards 2011 – shortlists
Gramophone's shortlists are out for this year's awards. No real surprises, but then those Gramophone people have great taste! Here's a sample:Opera: Die Zauberflöte - René Jacobs; Akademie für Alte Musik Ermione - David Parry; LPO Verdi's Otello - Colin Davis; LSO Solo Vocal: Richard Rodney Bennett, Songs before Sleep - Sophie Daneman; Susan Bickley; Iain … [Read more...] about Gramophone Magazine’s Classical Music Awards 2011 – shortlists