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 with that of his wife, Giuseppina Strepponi (the first Abigaille in the premiere of the composer’s Nabucco at La Scala in 1842). The performing rights of Verdi’s operas paid for the … [Read more...] about The play Quartet and the Giuseppe Verdi Rest Home, both in Milan
Giuseppe Verdi
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 used to sing in a folk chorus, but not as a professional singer, it was just a hobby for him. But in my father’s family singing was a tradition, and therefore in our family … [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 Italian repertoire, continuing with the cycle of works of Verdi, Puccini, Verismo (which will return in 2020 with Giordano’s Fedora and Montemezzi’s L’amore dei tre re), and 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. She recorded many of the 'studio' recordings there when the theatre was closed for the summer break, and gave some of her most memorable performances on its famous stage at the … [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 featuring twelve children’s songs. Why did you start singing? I started to sing because I heard children singing in a concert and I wished I could join them. Which singer … [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 Stotijn, contralto Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection Symphony” 10, 12, 15 November 2017 Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala Riccardo Chailly Maria José … [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. The season will also mark the 40th Anniversary of Riccardo Chailly’s collaboration with the theatre, and the 95th birthday of Franco Zeffirelli. The 2017-2018 Season kicks … [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 1897. It is located in Sant’Agata in the Province of Piacenza, just 8km from the village of Le Roncole, where he was born in 1813, and midway between the two is Busseto where he … [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 young? Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. Which singer do you most admire? Maria Callas. What’s your favourite role? Aida, Leonora in Trovatore, Maddalena de Coigny in Andrea … [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 twenty-one. Why did you start singing? I began singing because as soon as I discovered my voice it immediately became a need and an overwhelming desire. I knew from the beginning that … [Read more...] about Massimo Cavalletti answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition