Luisa Mandelli, Maria Callas' Annina at La Scala, died last night, just short of her 96th birthday. Daniel Barenboim called her the 'eternal Annina' having sung alongside Callas in Luchino Visconti's production of La traviata at La Scala under the baton of Carlo Maria Giulini. Mandelli was a constant presence in the theatre travelling on the metro from her home in Verdi's … [Read more...] about Luisa Mandelli, Maria Callas’ Annina at La Scala, has died at 95
Daniel Barenboim
Bartoli steps in as Villazón withdraws from closing gala at Salzburg Festival
The closing gala concert at Salzburg’s Whitsun Festival was to have featured the Festival’s director, Cecilia Bartoli, together with tenors Jonas Kaufmann and Rolando Villazón, and the Staatskapelle Berlin under the baton of Daniel Barenboim. A line up that almost justifies the more than €300 ticket price. Villazón cancelled at the last moment “for health reasons” leaving … [Read more...] about Bartoli steps in as Villazón withdraws from closing gala at Salzburg Festival
Maria José Siri answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? I started as young girl… for as long as I can remember. Why did you start singing? I started by accident. I was supposed to go to my saxophone class, but I was given the wrong day and time of the lesson, and therefore I found myself attending a voice class. Which singers inspired you the most when you were … [Read more...] about Maria José Siri answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
La Scala, Milan: Opera and Recital Season 2017 – 2018
A pleasing new season at La Scala seems to tick all the right boxes, with half the programming dedicated to the Italian repertoire, some rarities, important international operas and a world premiere. The season will also mark the 40th Anniversary of Riccardo Chailly’s collaboration with the theatre, and the 95th birthday of Franco Zeffirelli. The 2017-2018 Season kicks … [Read more...] about La Scala, Milan: Opera and Recital Season 2017 – 2018
Photo album and cast of Don Giovanni at La Scala
Robert Carsen’s spectacular production for La Scala of Don Giovanni created for the opening of the opera season in 2011, started a ten-performance run last night, which ends on 6 June. The Financial Times review opened with, No coup de théâtre ever matched Mozart’s opening chords as stunningly as this. This is a welcome return. Daniel Barenboim saw over a cast that … [Read more...] about Photo album and cast of Don Giovanni at La Scala