Alessandro Manzoni died in Milan on 22 May 1873, 150 years ago. The Milanese poet, novelist and philosopher is famous for his novel I promessi sposi (The Betrothed, 1827), which is full of … [Read more...] about [Interview] Riccardo Frizza conducts the Verdi Requiem on the 150th anniversary of Manzoni’s death
Giuseppe Verdi
Pavarotti to have a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
There will be a new Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Luciano Pavarotti, who died in 2007 at 71. The laying ceremony will be on 24 August 2022 at 11.30 am (Los Angeles time) at 7065 Hollywood … [Read more...] about Pavarotti to have a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
[Interview] Tenor Francesco Meli – 20 years of “not taking anything for granted”
Italian tenor Francesco Meli has a lot to celebrate. Last weekend he sang his last performance as Riccardo in Un ballo in maschera at La Scala – it is his 20th role at La Scala and this year also … [Read more...] about [Interview] Tenor Francesco Meli – 20 years of “not taking anything for granted”
Riccardo Muti Italian Opera Academy ruffles La Scala’s feathers
On the same day that La Scala opened its doors for a preview performance of the new production of Macbeth that will open its season on 7 December, the Prada Foundation in Milan welcomed Riccardo Muti … [Read more...] about Riccardo Muti Italian Opera Academy ruffles La Scala’s feathers
Prima Verdi – tenor Francesco Meli’s solo recording debut
Prima Verdi is tenor Francesco Meli’s solo recording debut. He is accompanied by the Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino conducted by Marco Armiliato. Meli says, This album is a … [Read more...] about Prima Verdi – tenor Francesco Meli’s solo recording debut
The killer countertenor? An Italian crime story
The crime story of the killer countertenor has been capturing the headlines in Italy because of the peculiarity of the perpetrators more than the horrific nature of the murder. 27-year-old Mirto … [Read more...] about The killer countertenor? An Italian crime story
Google Arts & Culture puts thousands of images and documents from La Scala’s archive online
Google Arts & Culture is a non-profit initiative with the tech giant working alongside cultural institutions and artists around the world to bring some of the world’s art and culture online so … [Read more...] about Google Arts & Culture puts thousands of images and documents from La Scala’s archive online
The play Quartet and the Giuseppe Verdi Rest Home, both in Milan
The Casa di Riposo per Musicisti (Rest Home for Musicians) in Milan is known simply as Casa Verdi (The Verdi Home) and, although Giuseppe Verdi never lived there, his body is buried there, together … [Read more...] about The play Quartet and the Giuseppe Verdi Rest Home, both in Milan
George Gagnidze answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When 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 … [Read more...] about George Gagnidze answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
La Scala, Milan: Opera and Recital Season 2018 – 2019
OPERA SEASON 2018 - 2019 La Scala announced its 2018-2019 Opera season today with 15 titles, nine of which are new productions, and two are La Scala premieres. At the heart of the season remains the … [Read more...] about La Scala, Milan: Opera and Recital Season 2018 – 2019
Maria Callas in newly restored photos from the La Scala archive
"Silence - Recording in Progress" reads the sign, as Maria Callas arrives at La Scala to record Il trovatore in 1956. More than any other theatre, Callas is linked with the great opera house in Milan. … [Read more...] about Maria Callas in newly restored photos from the La Scala archive
Maria Mudryak answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? My first performance was when I was three years old, then when I was five I started my musical training, and at six I recorded my first CD … [Read more...] about Maria Mudryak answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
La Scala Concert Season 2017 – 2018
Opera and Recital Season 2017 - 2018 Ballet Season 2017 - 2018 Symphonic 14, 16, 19 October 2017 Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala Daniele Gatti Miah Persson, soprano; Christianne … [Read more...] about La Scala Concert Season 2017 – 2018
La Scala, Milan: Opera and Recital Season 2017 – 2018
A pleasing new season at La Scala seems to tick all the right boxes, with half the programming dedicated to the Italian repertoire, some rarities, important international operas and a world premiere. … [Read more...] about La Scala, Milan: Opera and Recital Season 2017 – 2018
1000s of unseen Giuseppe Verdi autograph scores and letters from his home archive are scanned for public access
Giuseppe Verdi bought Villa Verdi in 1848 and it still belongs to his descendants. He moved in with his future wife, Giuseppina Strepponi, in 1851, and they lived there until her death in the house in … [Read more...] about 1000s of unseen Giuseppe Verdi autograph scores and letters from his home archive are scanned for public access
Anna Pirozzi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? Opera at 25… Pop music at 16 Why did you start singing? It was love at first sight. Which singer inspired you most when you were … [Read more...] about Anna Pirozzi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Massimo Cavalletti answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? I began singing when I was six years old in the choir at Saint Anne’s church in Lucca, where I was born. I started singing opera when I was … [Read more...] about Massimo Cavalletti answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Romeo and Juliet with the Mariinsky in Milan… and no nude kings
What a great evening out: Romeo and Juliet with the Mariinsky and Valery Gergiev conducting. However, not a costume or piece of scenery in sight… just Gergiev with his orchestra performing the Romeo … [Read more...] about Romeo and Juliet with the Mariinsky in Milan… and no nude kings
Maria Callas’ Annina returns to sing the same role after sixty years
Luisa Mandelli, who played Annina in Luchino Visconti's La traviata at La Scala in 1955, is now 93 years old. Although a small role, she is remembered for her presence in this production not only … [Read more...] about Maria Callas’ Annina returns to sing the same role after sixty years
Marco Berti answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
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
Selfies and Liszt as Milan’s La Scala Museum opens up for Expo 2015
One of the most important music and theatre museums in the world will see its visitors increase exponentially from May of this year. La Scala’s Museum attracts around a quarter of a million visitors a … [Read more...] about Selfies and Liszt as Milan’s La Scala Museum opens up for Expo 2015
La Scala’s new boss, Alexander Pereira, clears his name
Italian opera buffs, Milan's Mayor and La Repubblica newspaper were angry and amazed when news from Austria revealed that the Salzburg Festival's current director, Alexander Pereira, was selling seven … [Read more...] about La Scala’s new boss, Alexander Pereira, clears his name
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
La Traviata at La Scala – first glimpses
Today's the day, tonight's the night. Milan celebrates Saint Ambrose (Sant'Ambrogio) and La Scala celebrates Giuseppe Verdi with a new production of La Traviata to open its 2013-2014 season. This … [Read more...] about La Traviata at La Scala – first glimpses
Giuseppe Verdi’s advice to young artists
Don't imitate anyone, above all the greats... The artists must scrutinize the future, and see new worlds through the chaos. And if on the new path you see a distant flicker of light, don't be afraid … [Read more...] about Giuseppe Verdi’s advice to young artists
Milan celebrates Verdi: free events at La Scala for the composer’s 200th anniversary
Next Thursday, 10 October 2013, Milan will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi. La Scala will open its doors for a series of free initiatives including films, recordings, … [Read more...] about Milan celebrates Verdi: free events at La Scala for the composer’s 200th anniversary
Luca Pisaroni answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start singing? I started singing when I was 12/13 years old. I was a tenor then... Why did you start singing? I started singing because it felt so natural. Which singer … [Read more...] about Luca Pisaroni answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
World premiere of a piece by Giuseppe Verdi
Tomorrow evening there will be a world premiere of a piece by Giuseppe Verdi, in his 200th Anniversary year. Flautist Claudio Ferrarini was rummaging through the library in Verdi's home Villa di … [Read more...] about World premiere of a piece by Giuseppe Verdi
Magda Olivero at 102: The problem is that there are many singing teachers, but few of any worth
Just after Magda Olivero's 102nd birthday, (on March 25), the Corriere della Sera went to visit her. This remarkable woman still has a lot to say. While many of her opinions are maybe inevitable for … [Read more...] about Magda Olivero at 102: The problem is that there are many singing teachers, but few of any worth
