• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • HOME
  • POPULAR POSTS
    • DANCE
    • MUSIC & OPERA
    • PHOTOGRAPHY
  • QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
    • DANCERS
    • SINGERS
  • MY PHOTOS
  • CONTACT
gramilano logo

Gramilano

- dance, opera, photography...

Covent Garden

Mezzo-soprano Christa Ludwig has died at 93

25 April 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Christa Ludwig (cropped)

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

“Maria Callas on stage-the La Scala Years” at La Scala’s Museum extended until 31 March

30 January 2018 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Maria Callas on Stage – the La Scala Years 06

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

26 June 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

from left, Frédéric Olivieri, Ferruccio Soleri, Carlo Orlandi, Luisa Spinatelli and Luciana Savignano

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

12 April 2015 by Gramilano 6 Comments

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

21 March 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

7 March 2015 by Gramilano 2 Comments

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

4 March 2014 by Gramilano 2 Comments

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

4 March 2014 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

3 February 2014 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

23 March 2013 by Gramilano 1 Comment

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

21 March 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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!

15 March 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

29 August 2012 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

18 July 2012 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

15 October 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

12 October 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

21 April 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

31 March 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

20 March 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

19 March 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

17 March 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

14 February 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

14 February 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

18 December 2010 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

13 December 2010 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

Primary Sidebar

SUBSCRIBE

Gramilano newsletter 2019

CATEGORIES

FOLLOW

  • 21,000 Subscribers
  • 26,149 Followers
  • 236k Followers
  • 602 Subscribers
  • 3,416 Followers
  • 19,798 Followers

NEWS

Principal Brandon Lawrence to leave Birmingham Royal Ballet to join Ballett Zürich

Two new opera recordings to be released by Warner Classics/Erato

Four new Principal dancers for New York City Ballet

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

Royal Ballet principal dancer Laura Morera to retire

Pam Tanowitz’s Secret Things, her second world premiere for The Royal Ballet this season

Prix de Lausanne 2023 – the full lineup

Principal dancer Jared Angle to give final performance with NYCB

The Australian Ballet will tour to the Royal Opera House in August 2023

Les Étoiles – the starry Rome gala at the end of January, now with two programmes

FEATURED POSTS

Thomas Hampson by Jiyang Chen

Thomas Hampson answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition

You choose it out of Love! Dancing with the Khan-MacKay family

Gregory Kunde as Otello, photo by Matthias Baus, Teatro alla Scala 2015

Top opera singers discuss how they choose and prepare new roles

Joyce DiDonato answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition

Lawrence Brownlee, © Shervin Lainez

Interview with tenor Lawrence Brownlee on being a black man in America: Cycles of My Being

franco fagioli © thibault stipal, 2014

Franco Fagioli answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition

The Tricks of the Trocks: powder, ice and pointe shoes

Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov in cover art for the Romanza album

Interview with Anna Netrebko on her son, his autism and his abandonment by his father Erwin Schrott

António Casalinho, photo by Nikita Alba crop

António Casalinho – Introducing the 17-year-old Portuguese Dancer

Maurice Béjart's Gaîté parisienne with Marijn Rademaker photo by Stuttgarter Ballet

Dutch National Ballet’s Marijn Rademaker on injury and recovery

GRAHAM SPICER

Writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name ‘Gramilano’) about dance, opera, music and photography for people who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like. I was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. My scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman’s Weekly to Gay Times. I write the ‘Danza in Italia’ column for Dancing Times magazine.

You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or follow my Facebook page.

Referred-to-by

SEARCH

Copyright © 2023 · Gramilano · All rights reserved

about me · contact me · privacy and cookies

Would you like to receive an email whenever we publish a new post?

SUBSCRIBE