Luisa Mandelli, who played Annina in Luchino Visconti's La traviata at La Scala in 1955, is now 93 years old. Although a small role, she is remembered for her presence in this production not only because there was Carlo Maria Giulini on the podium, but the Violetta was Maria Callas. She also sang the page in EMI's recording of Rigoletto with Callas in the same year.For the … [Read more...] about Maria Callas’ Annina returns to sing the same role after sixty years
Daniel Barenboim
@teatroallascala – the world’s most famous theatre goes digital
Social media is revolutionising how theatres and their artists communicate with audiences and fans. Teatro alla Scala, which has an august, though often severe, reputation is, surprisingly, emerging as one of the top players in social networking. It had some catching up to do. The Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera opened their Twitter accounts at the beginning of … [Read more...] about @teatroallascala – the world’s most famous theatre goes digital
Florestan’s crepes backstage at La Scala
Instead of lounging in the pressroom with glass of something bubbly in my hand during the opening of La Scala’s season, I found myself in the wings holding a mic and trying to describe – and translate – what was going on around me.The idea for this first live backstage video stream came from Silvia Farina, who is responsible for La Scala’s digital adventures, and was with … [Read more...] about Florestan’s crepes backstage at La Scala
First: live backstage stream of La Scala’s season opener, Fidelio
The most important season opening in the international opera calendar will be streamed live from the wings.La Scala's Fidelio, with Daniel Barenboim on the podium for the last time as the theatre's music director, will be accompanied by a live stream showing what happens backstage at the world's most famous theatre.For the first time, La Scala will have cameras dotted … [Read more...] about First: live backstage stream of La Scala’s season opener, Fidelio
Daniel Barenboim on ‘his’ Fidelio at La Scala
The opening of La Scala's season on 7 December each year is the most anticipated and often contested event in the international opera calendar.Daniel Barenboim opens the 2014-2015 Opera and Ballet Season with Fidelio directed by Deborah Warner. It marks the end of his nine years at the Teatro alla Scala at its musical helm, even though Barenboim’s first concert at La Scala … [Read more...] about Daniel Barenboim on ‘his’ Fidelio at La Scala
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
La Scala complete Opera casts and dates: 2014 – 2015
4 December (Preview for young people), 7, 10, 13, 16, 20, 23 December 2014 Ludwig van Beethoven Fidelio Conductor: Daniel Barenboim Director: Deborah Warner Sets and costumes: Chloe Obolensky Cast Anja Kampe, Mojca Erdmann, Klaus Florian Vogt, Falk Struckmann, PeterMattei, Kwangchul Youn, Florian Hoffmann Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro alla Scala New production … [Read more...] about La Scala complete Opera casts and dates: 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
Villazón and Barenboim at La Scala: Schumann, Verdi and beer
Seeing Rolando Villazón in recital for the first time was surprising. I was expecting him to bound on stage like a hyperactive puppy, agitated and full of life, gazing wide-eyed at the audience, searching for its approval; instead I found a composed artist, calming taking his place at the centre of the stage, thoroughly prepared to tackle Schumann's Dichterliebe.This is … [Read more...] about Villazón and Barenboim at La Scala: Schumann, Verdi and beer
Storm as La Scala’s new boss buys seven of his own Salzburg productions for Milan
The new sovrintendente at La Scala, Alexander Pereira, has bought for his first season with the Milanese theatre, seven productions from the Salzburg Festival, where he is currently playing out his last season as its director.The affair, first reported in the Austrian press, came as a surprise to Milan's Mayor, Giuliano Pisapia, who is Chairman on the Board of Directors at … [Read more...] about Storm as La Scala’s new boss buys seven of his own Salzburg productions for Milan