Q&A in italianoWhen did you start singing? When I was 13 or 14 I started singing Georgian and Russian folk songs with my sister who was played the piano.Why did you start singing? My father used to sing in a folk chorus, but not as a professional singer, it was just a hobby for him. But in my father’s family singing was a tradition, and therefore in our family … [Read more...] about George Gagnidze answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Gene Kelly
Laurretta Summerscales answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&AWhen did you start dancing? I started dancing at the age of 3 at my mothers dancing schoolWhy did you start dancing? My mother wanted to give me as many opportunities in life to see what passions I grew for myself, and also what I was talented at. Dance was just one of many, but obviously it was also so we could have more time together.Which dancer inspired you … [Read more...] about Laurretta Summerscales answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Frederica von Stade answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&AWhen did you start singing? Maybe at 5.Why did you start singing? I always loved to sing anywhere, anytime.Which singer inspired you most when you were young? Gwen Verdon, Julie Andrews.Which singer do you most admire? It’s hard to choose... favourites are Janet Baker, Susan Graham, Richard Stilwell, Joyce DiDonato, Kiri Te Kanawa.What’s your … [Read more...] about Frederica von Stade answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Opera snobs won’t stop us going back to La Bohème
By Peter Franklin, University of OxfordThe Royal Opera House’s restaging of La Bohème will get the same responses as any other production of the Puccini opera. The savvy enthusiast hedges cautiously, perhaps going with the sceptic’s play-it-safe response: “Well, it puts bums on seats, pays for the things we really want to see… in these difficult times, what with funding and … [Read more...] about Opera snobs won’t stop us going back to La Bohème
Fabrice Calmels answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start dancing? I started dancing very young, around 4, at the dance studio in Magnanville, France.Why did you start dancing? I used to wait for my sister while she was taking ballet classes. The teacher and owner of the school (Murielle Maurin) saw me, she pulled me into the class, and said, "We never had a boy, so you will be the first … [Read more...] about Fabrice Calmels answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Gene Kelly’s 100th Anniversary is today: born in Pittsburgh, August 23, 1912
Happy Anniversary to one of the best! … [Read more...] about Gene Kelly’s 100th Anniversary is today: born in Pittsburgh, August 23, 1912
Adam Cooper talks to the Sunday Times about ballet, Michael Jackson, Vaughan Williams and the Kirov
In today's Sunday Times, Adam Cooper - ex-Royal Ballet dancer, and currently tip-tapping in the West End - talked about the places where he and his elder brother, Simon, grew up. Until their teens they lived in a 'poky' flat in Tooting. The flat was much too small for two energetic boys with a musician father who had instruments, keyboards and sheet music everywhere. Music was … [Read more...] about Adam Cooper talks to the Sunday Times about ballet, Michael Jackson, Vaughan Williams and the Kirov
Leslie Caron’s six best musical stars: from Streisand and Garland to Astaire and Travolta
Leslie Caron is in London as An American in Paris is about to be in the cinemas once again. She talked to The Times:When I first arrived in Hollywood I had never seen a musical. I was only 18. Until then I had been a premier dancer in the Ballets des Champs-Élysées, in Paris. Then, one day, a friend told me that someone called Gene Kelly had seen me dance and wanted me to … [Read more...] about Leslie Caron’s six best musical stars: from Streisand and Garland to Astaire and Travolta
On The Town star Betty Garrett has died at 91
Betty Garrett, perhaps most remembered as the Frank Sinatra's wise-cracking taxi-driver sweetheart in MGM's "On The Town" died yeaterday after a short illness.Garrett, who had a great comic talent, as well as being able to sing and dance, was part of the MGM family during the golden years of musicals. She made "On The Town", "Words and Music", "Take Me Out to the … [Read more...] about On The Town star Betty Garrett has died at 91