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Giuseppe Verdi

Pavarotti to have a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

31 July 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Luciano Pavarotti - photo Primo Gnani, 1987

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”

24 May 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

2015 Giovanna d'Arco, photo Brescia e Amisano © Teatro alla Scala crop

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

5 December 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Fondazione Prada - Riccardo Muti - photo by Niccolo Quaresima

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

26 November 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Francesco Meli, Prima Verdi

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

30 September 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Mirto Milani and the Ziliani murder

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

8 May 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

View from the stage, Street View, Teatro alla Scala Google Arts and Culture

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

13 April 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Quartet, from left, Cochi Ponzoni, Erica Blanc, Giuseppe Pambieri, and Paola Quattrini, photo by Massimiliano Fusco

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

5 June 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

George Gagnidze by Dario Acosta (2)

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

30 May 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Teatro alla Scala

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

13 September 2017 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Maria Callas at La Scala, recording Il trovatore in 1956

"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

28 June 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Portrait by Victor Santiago

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

1 June 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Maurizio Pollini, photo by Brescia e Amisano

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

31 May 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Riccardo Chailly, photo by Brescia e Amisano, 2017

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

30 May 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Frontispiece Macbeth of 1851 © Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani

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

27 February 2016 by Gramilano 1 Comment

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

13 October 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

12 September 2015 by Gramilano 3 Comments

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

24 June 2015 by Gramilano 2 Comments

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

9 June 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

27 January 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

13 April 2014 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

9 February 2014 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Ambrogio Maestri crop

 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

7 December 2013 by Gramilano 2 Comments

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

10 October 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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

4 October 2013 by Gramilano 1 Comment

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

24 September 2013 by Gramilano 1 Comment

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

29 May 2013 by Gramilano 1 Comment

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

9 April 2012 by Gramilano 7 Comments

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

Marie-Agnès Gillot in Milan for Pippo Delbono’s “After The Battle”

14 October 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

This is how The New York Times introduced Delbono to its readership in an interview last year: Part theater, part dance, part carnival, part music, the works of Pippo Delbono are hard to … [Read more...] about Marie-Agnès Gillot in Milan for Pippo Delbono’s “After The Battle”

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NEWS

Pam Tanowitz’s Secret Things, her second world premiere for The Royal Ballet this season

Prix de Lausanne 2023 – the full lineup

Principal dancer Jared Angle to give final performance with NYCB

The Australian Ballet will tour to the Royal Opera House in August 2023

Les Étoiles – the starry Rome gala at the end of January, now with two programmes

Alexei Ratmansky joins New York City Ballet as Artist in Residence

Ballet dancer Denis Vieira dies in Cyprus at 31

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GRAHAM SPICER

Writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name ‘Gramilano’) about dance, opera, music and photography for people who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like. I was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. My scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman’s Weekly to Gay Times. I write the ‘Danza in Italia’ column for Dancing Times magazine.

You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or follow my Facebook page.

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