The German opera singer Christa Ludwig, died on Saturday 24 April at the age of 93 in Klosterneuburg, Austria, where she lived. Blessed with infallible vocal means and musical intelligence, she was a … [Read more...] about Mezzo-soprano Christa Ludwig has died at 93
Covent Garden
“Maria Callas on stage-the La Scala Years” at La Scala’s Museum extended until 31 March
The exhibition "Maria Callas on stage-the La Scala Years" at La Scala’s Museum has been extended until 31 March. Since 15 September over 90,000 visitors have seen the exhibition, curated by theatre … [Read more...] about “Maria Callas on stage-the La Scala Years” at La Scala’s Museum extended until 31 March
Luisa Spinatelli – celebrating the life of the Milanese opera and ballet designer
Luisa Spinatelli… taking tasteful to a higher dimension The Amici della Scala (Friends of La Scala), run by the indefatigable Anna Crespi, gathered together at the association’s spectacular … [Read more...] about Luisa Spinatelli – celebrating the life of the Milanese opera and ballet designer
Chris Merritt’s brave plea for help
Chris Merritt has written a heartfelt plea for financial aid on gofundme.com - he is asking fans and friends to help kick-start his career. Dear Ones, near and far.....I am turning to this … [Read more...] about Chris Merritt’s brave plea for help
The Royal Opera House’s £27m ‘open up’ project to go ahead
The £27m scheme to ‘open up’ the Royal Opera House in London has been given the go ahead by Westminster City Council. The plans will make the entrances and street-level public spaces of the Opera … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera House’s £27m ‘open up’ project to go ahead
Alessandra Ferri’s pain at being rejected and joy at being reborn
The word "comeback" isn't one I like; what I am doing is going ahead. These years off stage have taught me that I can't live without dance. I am fully realised only when I dance. Alessandra Ferri is … [Read more...] about Alessandra Ferri’s pain at being rejected and joy at being reborn
Renato Cioni’s last interview: remembering Callas
Renato Cioni, who died today, left at interview just a few months ago, talking to Stephen Hastings, the editor of the Italian magazine Musica. Hastings asked him about the London Tosca with Maria … [Read more...] about Renato Cioni’s last interview: remembering Callas
Callas and Sutherland’s tenor – Renato Cioni – dies at 84
Renato Cioni, the great Tuscan tenor, died today in his home town of Portoferraio, on the island of Elba, where he was born almost 85 years ago. His career took off in the mid 1950s when he sang … [Read more...] about Callas and Sutherland’s tenor – Renato Cioni – dies at 84
The maestro’s nose: Fabio Luisi is making smells
A silly title, to grab your attention, about the very serious hobby of one of the world's top conductors: Fabio Luisi creates perfumes. Luisi's pastime has recently taken on a more professional … [Read more...] about The maestro’s nose: Fabio Luisi is making smells
Sergei Polunin on bringing Mayerling to Moscow, and dancing until 50
Sergei Polunin, who famously defected from the Royal Ballet just over a year ago, has found a home at the Stanislavsky theatre, and fame through winning a television dance competition. Settling down … [Read more...] about Sergei Polunin on bringing Mayerling to Moscow, and dancing until 50
Mark S Doss answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start singing? I was in the 5th grade when the music teacher, Mrs Mapson, asked me to sing the Wells Fargo Wagon song from Music Man. She heard me sing it back to her and then … [Read more...] about Mark S Doss answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Svetlana Zakharova: I want to go out and dance forever!
Svetlana Zakharova talked to Russia's Izvestia yesterday about her latest projects, including bringing Frederick Ashton's Marguerite and Armand to the Bolshoi. She danced the role for the first … [Read more...] about Svetlana Zakharova: I want to go out and dance forever!
1907: Madame Tetrazzini conquerors London and her ‘rival’ Adelina Patti is there to cheer her on
In 1907 Madame Tetrazzini made a sensational début as Violetta in La Traviata at Covent Garden in London, where she was completely unknown, and from that point on she was an international operatic … [Read more...] about 1907: Madame Tetrazzini conquerors London and her ‘rival’ Adelina Patti is there to cheer her on
Rite of Spring at the Bolshoi: Béjart, Bausch, and Wayne McGregor’s new version for the Bolshoi Ballet
The Bolshoi Theatre has announced its 2012-2013 season and touring schedule. Milan's Teatro alla Scala will kick off the season on September 6 with Robert Carsen's acclaimed production of Don … [Read more...] about Rite of Spring at the Bolshoi: Béjart, Bausch, and Wayne McGregor’s new version for the Bolshoi Ballet
Christopher Wheeldon explains why his Alice ballet isn’t a slow-motion car crash
Luke Jennings, summing up the critics' verdicts on the 'McCartney Ballet' in the Guardian's theatre blog, reflected on unsuccessful narrative ballets: Ballet's gatekeepers tend to almost infinite … [Read more...] about Christopher Wheeldon explains why his Alice ballet isn’t a slow-motion car crash
Critics Round-up: Royal Ballet’s Limen/Marguerite and Armand/Requiem
It seems that the Royal Ballet can't go wrong. The company has been on a winning streak, which is continuing, justly, into Monica Mason's final season as director. This triple bill succeeds in … [Read more...] about Critics Round-up: Royal Ballet’s Limen/Marguerite and Armand/Requiem
Yuhui Choe on what it takes to get to Cinderella’s ball
Korean dancer Yuhui Choe is currently playing Cinderella on the stage of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. I try to speak the emotion from my body — the theatre is very big so I want everyone … [Read more...] about Yuhui Choe on what it takes to get to Cinderella’s ball
Fabio Luisi chasing James Levine’s job leaves an opening for the young Daniele Rustioni
Last night Daniele Rustioni conducted Aida at Covent Garden. At 28 he is certainly young, but as assistant to the house musical director Antonio Pappano he was an obvious and pleasing choise to … [Read more...] about Fabio Luisi chasing James Levine’s job leaves an opening for the young Daniele Rustioni
Edward Watson on becoming a star in a rented room in Ealing
In today's The Sunday Times the Royal Ballet's Edward Watson talks about his ten year stay in a rented room: When a couple of friends, Neil and Michelle, retired from the Royal Ballet in 1996, they … [Read more...] about Edward Watson on becoming a star in a rented room in Ealing
Miyako Yoshida’s concert for Japan
If you are anywhere near Covent Garden tomorrow drop in to the Linbury Studio at the Royal Opera House at 4pm for Miyako Yoshida's concert to raise money for the tsunami victims. Tickets are only £20, … [Read more...] about Miyako Yoshida’s concert for Japan
Steven McRae ignites the Covent Garden stage
The Times review opens with, Frederick Ashton’s Rhapsody, the opening salvo of the Royal Ballet’s latest triple bill, was created in 1980 to mark the 80th birthday of the Queen Mother. It was also … [Read more...] about Steven McRae ignites the Covent Garden stage
Domingo at 70 – Iphigénie en Tauride at the Met, and a serenade in the Crush Bar
Singing is not easy. Even here in Milan, forget that myth that Italians are born singers. Just ask a friend to remind you how that tune goes and you'll be stopping them after a few notes. That's … [Read more...] about Domingo at 70 – Iphigénie en Tauride at the Met, and a serenade in the Crush Bar
The King’s Speech, Colin Firth and Natalie Portman – so no surprises at this year’s BAFTAs
The story of King George VI's struggle to overcome a stammer, aided by his devoted wife, dominated the Orange British Academy Film Awards. Colin Firth continued his winning streak by taking the best … [Read more...] about The King’s Speech, Colin Firth and Natalie Portman – so no surprises at this year’s BAFTAs
The Royal Ballet School – Ninette de Valois: Adventurous Traditionalist
The Royal Ballet School is to host a Conference to mark the 10th Anniversary of the death of the Founder of The Royal Ballet School and Companies, Dame Ninette de Valois OM, CH, DBE (1898 - … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet School – Ninette de Valois: Adventurous Traditionalist
Playbill’s Ruth Leon celebrates The Ivy, the West End’s starriest restaurant
The most theatrical event in London recently wasn't in a theatre — it was in a restaurant. The Ivy, in Covent Garden, is the work cafeteria for the stars, producers, directors and playwrights of … [Read more...] about Playbill’s Ruth Leon celebrates The Ivy, the West End’s starriest restaurant
