Diana Damrau (soprano) This evening I feel like Violetta: it's a special occasion, and I've never felt this way on a stage before and the success hasn't quite sunk in yet, but I'm happy and proud. … [Read more...] about Damrau, Armani, Bolle, Zeffirelli, Fracci et al, comment on La Scala’s Traviata
Giorgio Napolitano
The dance drain: who will save ballet in Italy?
Italians are great dancers, but they don't get much opportunity to demonstrate that in their homeland. The history of ballet is adorned with Italian talent: Giuseppina Bozzacchi was the … [Read more...] about The dance drain: who will save ballet in Italy?
Barenboim appeals from the pit for the defence of Italian culture
Before conducting the National Anthem and the 'Die Walküre' overture, Daniel Barenboim took up a microphone and, addressing himself to the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, … [Read more...] about Barenboim appeals from the pit for the defence of Italian culture
Carla Fracci and Antonio Pappano awarded the De Sica prize by Italy’s president
Several important figures in Italian cultural life, including Monica Bellucci and Luca De Filippo, gathered in the Quirinale Palace in Rome, the official residence of the President of the Italian … [Read more...] about Carla Fracci and Antonio Pappano awarded the De Sica prize by Italy’s president