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Gramilano

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English National Opera

Natalia Osipova and international ballet stars dance for Ukraine

10 March 2022 by Gramilano 9 Comments

Dance for Ukraine

Former Royal Ballet stars and impresarios Ivan Putrov (Ukraine) and Alina Cojocaru (Romania) are putting on Dance for Ukraine, a benefit gala at the London Coliseum to raise funds for people in need … [Read more...] about Natalia Osipova and international ballet stars dance for Ukraine

Tides of Memory: a film by Luisa Mariani inspired by William Kentridge

26 June 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Luisa Mariani

As the 2020 edition of the International New York Film Festival comes to a close, an Italian entry stands out called Tides of Memory, inspired by an encounter with William Kentridge and his … [Read more...] about Tides of Memory: a film by Luisa Mariani inspired by William Kentridge

#OperaPassion from the BBC with a live streaming day, events on TV and radio, and the V&A’s “Opera: Passion, Power and Politics”

21 September 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

OperaPassion

Tony Hall, currently the Director-General of the BBC but previously the Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House from 2001 until 2013, is bringing his opera experience to broadcasting in a bold new … [Read more...] about #OperaPassion from the BBC with a live streaming day, events on TV and radio, and the V&A’s “Opera: Passion, Power and Politics”

Sneak preview: Hänsel and Gretel at La Scala, Milan

2 September 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Hänsel and Gretel, photos by Brescia and Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 04

Tonight, a new productions of Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hänsel and Gretel opens in Milan at Teatro alla Scala. The cast features opera students from La Scala’s prestigious Academy. This, however, is … [Read more...] about Sneak preview: Hänsel and Gretel at La Scala, Milan

The world’s cheapest city (and most expensive) for a cultural break

24 August 2017 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Itziar Mendizabal as the Queen of Hearts and Artists of the Royal Ballet in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Royal Ballet © ROH, Johan Persson 2013

Prague has come up trumps as the place where those planning a cultural city break can save money this autumn, according to the 2017 British Post Office Travel Money Cost of Culture Report. The … [Read more...] about The world’s cheapest city (and most expensive) for a cultural break

‘Ousted’ ENO director gets top job at the Bolshoi

17 July 2016 by Gramilano 4 Comments

In an unprecedented move, it seems that 'ousted' English National Opera artistic director, John Berry, has been snapped up by the Bolshoi Theatre. It is extremely rare for non-Russians to hold … [Read more...] about ‘Ousted’ ENO director gets top job at the Bolshoi

Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson to star in Sweeney Todd in London

16 September 2014 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

After the success of Sweeney Todd in concert with the New York Philharmonic in March of this year, Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson return in their roles for thirteen performances at the London … [Read more...] about Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson to star in Sweeney Todd in London

Roberto Bolle becomes a King of Dance for London début (with surprise Queen)

11 September 2013 by Gramilano 1 Comment

The Kings of the Dance gets its first Re Italiano, as Roberto Bolle joins the roster of some of ballet's most exciting male dancers, for the latest edition of the roadshow. The new tour will bring … [Read more...] about Roberto Bolle becomes a King of Dance for London début (with surprise Queen)

Olivier Award 2013 nominations announced: dance and opera

26 March 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

While it's great to see 87-year-old working choreographer Gillian Lynne get a special award, there is Marianela Núñez in the running for Outstanding Achievement in Dance, a nomination richly deserved … [Read more...] about Olivier Award 2013 nominations announced: dance and opera

Interview with Alfie Boe: Royal Opera House and the ENO are “too proud and too stupid”

2 January 2012 by Gramilano 14 Comments

Alfie Boe is good at upsetting people. He speaks his mind, leaving diplomacy at home, and not thinking about the consequences. While he is certainly more of an opera singer than Katherine Jenkins, his … [Read more...] about Interview with Alfie Boe: Royal Opera House and the ENO are “too proud and too stupid”

The English National Opera’s promo for… um… err… The Elixir of Love?

9 September 2011 by Gramilano 1 Comment

The blurb says, Tell us what your most reliable elixir of love is for a chance to see Jonathan Miller's comic production of Donizetti's classic The Elixir of Love at the London Coliseum. Sep 15, … [Read more...] about The English National Opera’s promo for… um… err… The Elixir of Love?

Lord Harewood – cousin to the Queen and friend to Callas – has died at 88

11 July 2011 by Gramilano 1 Comment

George Harewood was an extraordinary powerhouse of a man, full of passion conveyed in his beautifully polished tones. The accent and comportment were entirely natural for George was a Lord: George … [Read more...] about Lord Harewood – cousin to the Queen and friend to Callas – has died at 88

The ‘new Nureyev’? Can’t that be crossed out of the journalists’ handbook?

21 May 2011 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Certainly not-to-be-missed, the blurb from the ENO site announces the London performances of Romeo and Juliet with Ivan Vasiliev and Natalia Osipova: This July, for 9 performances only, Bolshoi … [Read more...] about The ‘new Nureyev’? Can’t that be crossed out of the journalists’ handbook?

Gilliam’s The Damnation of Faust at London Coliseum convinces the critics

7 May 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

After months of complaining (by critics and audience) that too many famous film or television directors were being let loose on the ENO stage with often disastrous results, it seems that the latest in … [Read more...] about Gilliam’s The Damnation of Faust at London Coliseum convinces the critics

You don’t expect the pastry chef to make an exquisite consommé, so why should the film auteur be capable of directing opera?

21 April 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Michael White, voted Britain’s least boring music critic by listeners of Classic FM, comments in the Telegraph about the rush of first-time directors at the ENO. It’s no bad thing to be an amateur: … [Read more...] about You don’t expect the pastry chef to make an exquisite consommé, so why should the film auteur be capable of directing opera?

Figgis’ Lucrezia Borgia at the English National Opera “really works”

2 February 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Daily Express critic William Hartston feared the worst as the theatre lights dimmed: WHEN a cinema screen lowered over the stage at the Coliseum at the start of this new production of Donizetti's … [Read more...] about Figgis’ Lucrezia Borgia at the English National Opera “really works”

West End stars launch Get Into London Theatre

6 January 2011 by Gramilano 3 Comments

London theatre stars including Daniel Boys, Louise Dearman, Alex Gaumond, Ray Meagher, Ben Richards and the cast of Jersey Boys were among the theatre fans who celebrated the launch of Get Into London … [Read more...] about West End stars launch Get Into London Theatre

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NEWS

New York City Ballet 2023 Spring Season is announced

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

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In conversation with Luca Pisaroni: back to Milan with his La Scala debut

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.

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