Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? More or less I’ve always sung. First at my local church, then one day my cousin, who sung Ave Marie for weddings, gave me the chance to try and I … [Read more...] about Marco Berti answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Giorgio Strehler
Happy 80th Birthday Mirella Freni… from La Scala – in photos and video
Mirella Freni is eighty, and to celebrate her birthday La Scala threw open its doors to her fans and opera lovers to see the great soprano once again on the stage that was hers for so many years. A … [Read more...] about Happy 80th Birthday Mirella Freni… from La Scala – in photos and video
Luca Ronconi, Italian director of theatre and opera, dies at 81
Italian director Luca Ronconi died yesterday evening in the Policlinico in Milan after a short illness. His health had been poor over the last years, he was on dialysis, and was complicated by … [Read more...] about Luca Ronconi, Italian director of theatre and opera, dies at 81
Daniel Barenboim on ‘his’ Fidelio at La Scala
The opening of La Scala's season on 7 December each year is the most anticipated and often contested event in the international opera calendar. Daniel Barenboim opens the 2014-2015 Opera and Ballet … [Read more...] about Daniel Barenboim on ‘his’ Fidelio at La Scala
Fiorenza Cossotto answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? When I was a girl. Why did you start singing? For my own personal enjoyment. Which singer inspired you most when you were young? No … [Read more...] about Fiorenza Cossotto answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Jonas Kaufmann champions La Scala’s new boss and the great Italian director Giorgio Strehler
Jonas Kaufmann says that La Scala and Santa Cecilia are the only two important music centres left in Italy, Too many theatres have closed in the last few years; a real shame. Which theatres he's … [Read more...] about Jonas Kaufmann champions La Scala’s new boss and the great Italian director Giorgio Strehler
Milan celebrates one of its most-loved actresses as she turns 80
Giulia Lazzarini, one of Giorgio Strehler's favourite actress, and for decades a constant presence on the stage of Milan's famed Piccolo Teatro, is 80 and, rightly, it was at the Piccolo Teatro that … [Read more...] about Milan celebrates one of its most-loved actresses as she turns 80
Ambrogio Maestri answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
versione in italiano Q&A When did you start singing? When I was 9. Why did you start singing? I was studying piano, and the transition was natural. Which singer inspired you most when you … [Read more...] about Ambrogio Maestri answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Ambrogio Maestri risponde al Gramilano Questionario… Italian Edition
English version Q&A Quando hai iniziato a cantare? A 9 anni. Perché hai iniziato a cantare? Studiando pianoforte, il passaggio è stato naturale. Quale cantante ti ha più … [Read more...] about Ambrogio Maestri risponde al Gramilano Questionario… Italian Edition
Valentina Cortese becomes a Commandeur dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres
Italian actress Valentina Cortese was awarded France's highest honour in recognition of her contribution to the arts, the Commandeur dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres, during a ceremony on … [Read more...] about Valentina Cortese becomes a Commandeur dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres
Actress Valentina Cortese radiant in haute couture at 90
Great Italian actress Valentina Cortese turned 90 this year. Style has always been part of her life (she is the sort of actress who is theatrical offstage as well as on) and the diva quality in her … [Read more...] about Actress Valentina Cortese radiant in haute couture at 90
Two Italian living legends together: Ferruccio Soleri, the greatest Arlecchino, and Carla Fracci, the greatest Giselle
Ferruccio Soleri (class of 1929) has played Arlecchino in Giorgio Strehler's legendary production of Goldoni's masterpiece Servant of Two Masters (Arlecchino servitore di due padroni) for Milan's … [Read more...] about Two Italian living legends together: Ferruccio Soleri, the greatest Arlecchino, and Carla Fracci, the greatest Giselle
‘Sleeping Beauty’ triumphs at the Bolshoi
Russian news agency RIA Novosti reports that last night's première of The Sleeping Beauty at the Bolshoi, the first ballet on the renovated stage, was a great success. The première was attended by … [Read more...] about ‘Sleeping Beauty’ triumphs at the Bolshoi
Ornella Vanoni wows the Milanese audience at the MITO Festival
"Le canzoni della Mala" are songs about the Milanese underworld, most of which originated in the 50s when the great Italian theatre director Giorgio Strehler realised that Milan lacked a tradition of … [Read more...] about Ornella Vanoni wows the Milanese audience at the MITO Festival
Italian theatre designer Luisa Spinatelli is honoured at La Scala
Last night in the glamorous foyer of the La Scala Theatre (Ridotto dei Palchi 'Arturo Toscanini') the Amici della Scala awarded an Honorary Membership of the society to Italian theatre designer Luisa … [Read more...] about Italian theatre designer Luisa Spinatelli is honoured at La Scala