Diana Damrau’s warm reception at La Scala was appropriate for a singer who has given so much pleasure to Milanese audiences, beginning with her stratospheric debut as Europa in Salieri’s opera Europa Riconosciuta in 2004 – the opera that reopened the theatre after a major renovation.She has appeared several times on the recital platform – including an enchanting programme … [Read more...] about Diana Damrau sings Wolf and Strauss at La Scala: with pursed lips and a flick of the wrist
Diana Damrau
Marie Duplessis, at 23, inspired Dumas then Verdi; now 23-year-old Maria Mudryak sings La traviata
La traviata, an opera that has moved audiences to tears since its premiere in Venice in 1853, was based on a true story of prostitution, obsession and love.Marie Duplessis was born in 1824 to a humble family in Nonant-le-Pin, in north-western France. Hers is the classic rags-to-riches story, complete with a mother who died when she was young and an alcoholic father. When … [Read more...] about Marie Duplessis, at 23, inspired Dumas then Verdi; now 23-year-old Maria Mudryak sings La traviata
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
CD review: Diana Damrau in Meyerbeer’s Grand Operas – a diva in her prime
Meyerbeer: GRAND OPERA with Diana DamrauThis glorious new album finds Diana Damrau in sparkling, top-notch form. The exacting demands that Meyerbeer makes on the soprano voice are shrugged off by a diva in her prime.Meyerbeer was German (Prussian) by birth, French by adoption, and Italian by formation; a true European. Born Jacob Liebmann Meyer Beer, his first name … [Read more...] about CD review: Diana Damrau in Meyerbeer’s Grand Operas – a diva in her prime
Diana Damrau in glamorous (faux) fur for her new album, Grand Opera
Diana Damrau’s new album, Grand Opera, shows off the genre at its most grandiose and opulent, with eleven arias and duets by Meyerbeer. On the cover, which comes out in May, she wears suitably grandiose and opulent furs.No, no, calm down... this is not the chinchilla of Caballé back in the '70s, but haute couture fake fur. Fifty years ago they all were photographed in … [Read more...] about Diana Damrau in glamorous (faux) fur for her new album, Grand Opera