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
English National Opera
Tides of Memory: a film by Luisa Mariani inspired by William Kentridge
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”
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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”
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?
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
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?
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
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?
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”
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
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
