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- dance, opera, photography...

Gabriele Corrado

A new Carmen at La Scala – Roberto Bolle and Nicoletta Manni star in Patrick de Bana’s new work

21 February 2025 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Nicoletta Manni and Roberto Bolle, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala (4)

Carmen is Patrick de Bana’s first work created for La Scala Ballet. De Bana delves into the mythology, culture, perfumes and icons of Spain filtered through his own personal experience, to reinforce … [Read more...] about A new Carmen at La Scala – Roberto Bolle and Nicoletta Manni star in Patrick de Bana’s new work

Live stream – Roberto Bolle and Nicoletta Manni in La Dame aux camélias at La Scala

27 September 2024 by Gramilano 2 Comments

15 - La Dame aux camélias - Nicoletta Manni Roberto Bolle, photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala (8)

After seven years, John Neumeier’s La Dame aux camélias returns to La Scala’s stage in Milan. The photo album below is of the opening cast on 25 September with Nicoletta Manni as Marguerite Gautier … [Read more...] about Live stream – Roberto Bolle and Nicoletta Manni in La Dame aux camélias at La Scala

Review: the autobiography of Anna Maria Prina, director of La Scala Ballet School for more than three decades

11 August 2024 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Anna Maria Prina, photo by Franco Covi

The preface to Incontro con la danza (Encounters with Dance) is by writer Paola Calvetti, who opens with: “Anna Maria Prina has always been the ‘Director’,” the ‘direttrice’. ‘La’ Prina (as the … [Read more...] about Review: the autobiography of Anna Maria Prina, director of La Scala Ballet School for more than three decades

Review: Manon at La Scala – Nicoletta Manni/Reece Clarke; Myriam Ould-Braham/Claudio Coviello

20 July 2024 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Nicoletta Manni and Reece Clarke photo by Brescia and Amisano,Teatro alla Scala 1

Height problems at La Scala led to last-minute casting for Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon, or, as it is known outside the UK, L’histoire de Manon. Alessandra Ferri brought Manon to La Scala – and … [Read more...] about Review: Manon at La Scala – Nicoletta Manni/Reece Clarke; Myriam Ould-Braham/Claudio Coviello

La Scala Ballet returns to China – on tour to Hong Kong and Shanghai

9 March 2024 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Le Corsaire with Claudio Coviello as Birbanto, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2023

La Scala Ballet returns to China with eight performances of two ballets from 15 to 24 March La Scala Ballet will perform in China from 15 to 24 March, with Manuel Legris’s Le Corsaire at the Grand … [Read more...] about La Scala Ballet returns to China – on tour to Hong Kong and Shanghai

[Review] Contemporary dance triple bill at La Scala – Simone Valastro’s spectacular Memento will not be forgotten

25 February 2024 by Gramilano 1 Comment

05 - MEMENTO, photo by Brescia e Amisano (c) Teatro alla Scala

Graham Spicer sees La Scala's "Smith/León and Lightfoot/Valastro" contemporary dance triple bill in Milan TitleSmith/León and Lightfoot/ValastroCompanyLa Scala BalletVenueTeatro alla Scala, … [Read more...] about [Review] Contemporary dance triple bill at La Scala – Simone Valastro’s spectacular Memento will not be forgotten

[Review and Photo Album] Olga Smirnova and Jacopo Tissi in Swan Lake at La Scala

10 October 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

22 - Olga Smirnova Jacopo Tissi e il Corpo di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala 2023, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2023 (3)

A Swan Lake with two of the Bolshoi Ballet Company principals who left the company after Russia invaded Ukraine – Olga Smirnova, one of Russia’s brightest stars, and the Italian Jacopo Tissi who was … [Read more...] about [Review and Photo Album] Olga Smirnova and Jacopo Tissi in Swan Lake at La Scala

[Review] An avalanche of debuts in Onegin at La Scala

1 October 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

10 ONEGIN Alice Mariani Gabriele Corrado photo by Brescia e Amisano Teatro alla Scala

TitleOneginCompanyLa Scala BalletVenueTeatro alla Scala, MilanDate22 and 26 September 2022ReviewerGraham Spicer Photos with Nicola Del Freo and Vittoria Valerio are featured in an album … [Read more...] about [Review] An avalanche of debuts in Onegin at La Scala

[Review] Nuñez and Bolle give powerful performances in Onegin at La Scala

17 September 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Onegin - Roberto Bolle, Marianela Nunez. photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala-02

An odd mixture of emotions came over me entering the stalls at La Scala to see Onegin. On the ballet’s previous outing, three years ago, I attended a performance with Carla Fracci. We’d walked from … [Read more...] about [Review] Nuñez and Bolle give powerful performances in Onegin at La Scala

[Photo Album] Onegin at La Scala with Roberto Bolle and Marianela Nuñez

14 September 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Onegin in rehearsal - Martina Arduino e Timofej Andrijashenko , photo by Brescia e Amisano (c) Teatro alla Scala (3)

Onegin returns to La Scala this evening, Wednesday 14 September, with Roberto Bolle in the title role, Marianela Nuñez as Tatiana, Nicola Del Freo as Lensky, Martina Arduino as Olga and Gabriele … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] Onegin at La Scala with Roberto Bolle and Marianela Nuñez

[Photo album] First look at La Scala’s new Bayadère

19 December 2021 by Gramilano 6 Comments

34 - La bayadère - Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko and corps de ballet, photo by Brescia and Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

After Covid infections forced the premiere and subsequent performances to be cancelled, Monday 21 December will finally see the opening night of La Scala's new production of Rudolf Nureyev's La … [Read more...] about [Photo album] First look at La Scala’s new Bayadère

[Review] Madina – a courageous new dance work at La Scala

25 October 2021 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Madina - 52 - Antonella Albano and Roberto Bolle, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

La Scala’s commission of a score from the prominent Italian composer Fabio Vacchi was ambitious in its scale and subject. The new dance work, Madina, choreographed by Mauro Bigonzetti, sees the … [Read more...] about [Review] Madina – a courageous new dance work at La Scala

[Photo Album] Madina – Bigonzetti’s new ballet at La Scala

2 October 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Madina - 19 - Gabriele Corrado and the corps de ballet, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

La Scala presents the world premiere of Fabio Vacchi's Madina with choreography by Mauro Bigonzetti based on a libretto by Emmanuelle de Villepin, inspired by her novel La ragazza che non voleva … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] Madina – Bigonzetti’s new ballet at La Scala

La Scala’s enthralling Contemporary Evening is a triumph

12 July 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

BIRDS WALKING ON WATER - Mick Zeni and company, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala (7)

The Contemporary Evening was a triumph, with seven works: a contemporary ‘classic’, some lesser-known pieces, and a new creation. La Scala is finding it difficult to attract audiences back to the … [Read more...] about La Scala’s enthralling Contemporary Evening is a triumph

[Photos and review] La Scala celebrates with its Four Choreographers Evening

10 June 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

CONCERTO DSCH, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala (8)

Wednesday 9 June was something of a celebration at La Scala with its ballet company returning to perform before a live audience. The current regulations only allow for 500 spectators but being that … [Read more...] about [Photos and review] La Scala celebrates with its Four Choreographers Evening

Ballet Gala from La Scala: Evening of Great Choreographers

2 May 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Paquita - photo by Andrea Tamoni © Teatro alla Scala

The latest gala from La Scala as part of its programming for online streaming videos, and recorded without an audience present in the theatre, is Serata Grandi Coreografi (Evening of Great … [Read more...] about Ballet Gala from La Scala: Evening of Great Choreographers

A Covid-free La Scala to stream its gala ‘A Tribute to Nureyev’

22 March 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Raymonda - Virna Toppi, Nicola Del Freo e il Corpo di Ballo, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala-02

The A Tribute to Nureyev gala from La Scala, was due to be streamed on 28 February, but the recording was cancelled two hours before curtain-up when a weak positive case of Covid-19 was found in one … [Read more...] about A Covid-free La Scala to stream its gala ‘A Tribute to Nureyev’

Tribute to Nureyev – free ballet gala streaming from La Scala

25 February 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Lo schiaccianoci 1979/1980

A strong thread ties Rudolf Nureyev to La Scala, where he was acclaimed not only as a dancer but also as a choreographer. Nureyev has equally strong ties to La Scala Ballet's new director, Manuel … [Read more...] about Tribute to Nureyev – free ballet gala streaming from La Scala

[Review and Photos] La Scala Ballet Gala sees dance return to its stage, with Ferri, Bonelli, Zakharova and Bolle

3 October 2020 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Ballet Gala - Le Parc - Alessandra Ferri Federico Bonelli, photo by Brescia e Amisano Teatro alla Scala

On 23 September, La Scala opened its doors for dance for the first time since February. It was a gala which had four showings, the last being yesterday. Social distancing in the auditorium was … [Read more...] about [Review and Photos] La Scala Ballet Gala sees dance return to its stage, with Ferri, Bonelli, Zakharova and Bolle

Review: Enthralling programme of 5 works by Hans van Manen and Roland Petit at La Scala

24 February 2020 by Gramilano 2 Comments

07 Le combat des anges Claudio Coviello, Marco Agostino, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

An unusual mixed bill at La Scala showcased the works of two choreographers: Hans van Manen and Roland Petit. Two of the van Manen pieces were new to the company, though his Adagio Hammerklavier, … [Read more...] about Review: Enthralling programme of 5 works by Hans van Manen and Roland Petit at La Scala

Photo Album: Rehearsal photos of La Scala’s new mixed bill with Roberto Bolle, Manni, Coviello, Arduino and company

17 January 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Le Jeune homme et la Mort with Roberto Bolle and Nicoletta Manni, photo by Brescia e Amisano Teatro alla Scala (10)

Serata van Manen – Petit, (Van Manen and Petit Evening) opens at La Scala on 23 January. The evening consists of five gems from Hans van Manen and Roland Petit. The three van Manen pieces are Adagio … [Read more...] about Photo Album: Rehearsal photos of La Scala’s new mixed bill with Roberto Bolle, Manni, Coviello, Arduino and company

Manuel Legris’ Sylvia shows La Scala’s dancers on top form

5 January 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Sylvia Martina Arduino, Claudio Coviello photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2019 23

Sylvia opened the 2019-2020 ballet season at La Scala. It is a co-production with the Wiener Staatsballett where it opened in November 2018. There have been no changes to Luisa Spinatelli’s sets and … [Read more...] about Manuel Legris’ Sylvia shows La Scala’s dancers on top form

Photo Album: First Night at La Scala with “Sylvia” in a New Production

17 December 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Sylvia Martina Arduino photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2019 20

Sylvia Photos of the opening night of Sylvia, with choreography by Manuel Legris, starring Martina Arduino, Claudio Coviello, Nicola Del Freo, Christian Fagetti, Maria Celeste Losa and … [Read more...] about Photo Album: First Night at La Scala with “Sylvia” in a New Production

In with the old – La Scala returns to Nureyev’s Sleeping Beauty

7 July 2019 by Gramilano 1 Comment

49 The Sleeping Beauty, with Polina Semionova and Timofej Andrijashenko

If there is a ballet that belongs to La Scala, it’s Rudolf Nureyev’s production of The Sleeping Beauty, created for the ballet company in 1966 with Carla Fracci and Nureyev in the main roles. It was … [Read more...] about In with the old – La Scala returns to Nureyev’s Sleeping Beauty

First photos of Wayne McGregor’s Woolf Works at La Scala with Alessandra Ferri, Federico Bonelli and Company dancers

8 April 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Woolf Works, Tuesday, with Alessandra Ferri and Company, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2019

These are the first photos of La Scala's restaging of Wayne McGregor's Woolf Works created for The Royal Ballet in 2015. The work was seen again in London in 2017, and in Milan, two of the original … [Read more...] about First photos of Wayne McGregor’s Woolf Works at La Scala with Alessandra Ferri, Federico Bonelli and Company dancers

Proscaenium’s Gran Gala with the best of Italy’s dancing talent

6 June 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Gran Gala

Gramilano has already written about Cincia Puricelli’s dancing school Proscaenium, which is based in Gallarate, a town near Milan’s Malpensa airport. An ordinary town, and on the surface an ordinary … [Read more...] about Proscaenium’s Gran Gala with the best of Italy’s dancing talent

First look at La valse – Symphony in C – Shéhérazade, opening tonight at La Scala

19 April 2017 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Shéhérazade with Virna Toppi and Gabriele Corrado

The new triple bill which opens at La Scala this evening is unique indeed! It features a new version of Ravel’s La valse by three choreographers, all dancers with the company. Stranger still is that … [Read more...] about First look at La valse – Symphony in C – Shéhérazade, opening tonight at La Scala

Petrushka and Le sacre du printemps strike a triumphant note at La Scala

14 February 2017 by Gramilano 9 Comments

Antonino Sutera as The Chosen One in Le sacre du printemps

Starting on a positive note: the Stravinsky Evening at La Scala, with Petrushka and Le sacre du printemps, was an unmitigated success, thoroughly enjoyable and received a long, standing ovation from … [Read more...] about Petrushka and Le sacre du printemps strike a triumphant note at La Scala

First look: Stravinsky ballet evening at La Scala conducted by Zubin Mehta

11 February 2017 by Gramilano 9 Comments

Petrushka with Maurizio Licitra, Mick Zeni and Nicoletta Manni 3

Zubin Mehta will be conducting La Scala’s orchestra for a Stravinsky double-bill with the theatre’s ballet company: Petrushka and The Rite of Spring. Michel Fokine’s choreography and Alexandre … [Read more...] about First look: Stravinsky ballet evening at La Scala conducted by Zubin Mehta

Martina Arduino and Claudio Coviello as the star-crossed lovers at La Scala

7 January 2017 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Martina Arduino and Claudio Coviello, photo Marco Brescia and Rudi Amisano, Teatro alla Scala x

The roles of Romeo and Juliet are unexpectedly hard to bring off in ballet. In the play, the timbre of the voice and meaning of the text explain what the two are thinking and feeling, whereas, using … [Read more...] about Martina Arduino and Claudio Coviello as the star-crossed lovers at La Scala

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Gramilano newsletter 2019

INTERVIEWS

Nikisha Fogo, photo Yousik Kim

[Interview] Meet Nikisha Fogo, San Francisco Ballet’s new Principal Dancer

Carmen Giannattasio In The War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, Photo By Cory Weaver

Interview: Carmen Giannattasio on her first Tosca, Lady Gaga, and homicide

Antonio Pappano in rehearsal for Fidelio, The Royal Opera © 2020 ROH. Photographed by Lara Cappelli.

[Interview] Antonio Pappano on adapting in strange times

Juan Diego Flórez

Juan Diego Flórez interview: my 25 years with Rossini

Michael Fabiano, photo by Jiyang Chen crop

[Interview] “Me and my voice” American tenor Michael Fabiano on music and other passions

Christopher Marney, photo by ASH crop

Interview: Artistic Director Christopher Marney on reviving London City Ballet – small is beautiful

17th WBF Programme B - 12 Le Parc - Ferri & Bolle, photo Kiyonori Hasegawa

Interview: Roberto Bolle on turning 50 – I want to bring all those years to the stage

Luciano Pavarotti Recital 1988

[Interview] Luciano Pavarotti’s daughter talks about life with the King of the High Cs

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GRAMILANO

Graham Spicer, aka 'Gramilano', is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.

Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.

He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.

Since 2022, Gramilano has been pleased to welcome guest authors: Paul Arrowsmith, Donatella Bertozzi, Georgina Butler, Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel, Jonathan Gray, Marina Harss, Ann Haskins, Lily Hyde, Marta Mele, Matthew Paluch, Jann Parry, Lucía Piquero, Graham Watts, Deborah Weiss, and Lydia Wharf.

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