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. I did everything I possibly could. I've never sung a Traviata here, or for the opening of the season, and even more in Verdi's anniversary year. I am very happy. Dmitri … [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 first Swanhilda in Coppélia; three dazzling stars, Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Cerrito, and Marie Taglioni (also the first Sylphide) were celebrated by Perrot in his Pas de Quattre; Pierina … [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, said: Image via Wikipedia I'm very happy, once again, to be conducting on the 7th December at La Scala. [7th December, feast day of Saint Ambrose, patron saint of Milan and the … [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 Republic, for the Vittorio De Sica award ceremony, a prize for the cinema and the arts. Carla Fracci was unique in receiving a standing ovation, and proclaimed herself deeply … [Read more...] about Carla Fracci and Antonio Pappano awarded the De Sica prize by Italy’s president