Opera singing is a high-wire profession. Only the most tone-deaf will not wince when a note is off. It is all too obvious when part of a role lies too high, or too low or, indeed, hovers too much around the centre of the voice, for a particular singer. Audiences reach out in empathy when a singer arrives ‘sung out’ at the end of an opera… or prepare to boo.Dancers, and … [Read more...] about Top opera singers discuss how they choose and prepare new roles
Gregory Kunde
Great musicologist Philip Gossett remembered by his colleagues and friends
Philip Gossett called himself “a fan, a musician and a scholar,” in that order.The great music scholar, who died yesterday in Chicago at the age of 75, saw himself first and foremost as a fan. It was his love and passion for opera, especially Italian opera of the 19th century, which led him to communicate the fruits of his study so effectively not only to conductors and … [Read more...] about Great musicologist Philip Gossett remembered by his colleagues and friends
ROYAL OPERA SEASON 2016 – 2017: theatre, cinema and radio
All the details of the 2016-2017 Opera Season at London's Royal Opera House:skip to section:ROYAL OPERA 2016-2017 SEASON - IN BRIEFTHE ROYAL OPERA 2016-2017 SEASONTHE ROYAL OPERA SEASON 2016-2017 - IN FULLBBC RADIO 3 AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSEROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE CINEMA SEASON ROYAL OPERA 2016-2017 SEASON - IN BRIEFAntonio Pappano renews … [Read more...] about ROYAL OPERA SEASON 2016 – 2017: theatre, cinema and radio
Nicola Alaimo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italianoWhen did you start singing? I started singing when I was very young, but seriously in 1996, together with literature and music. I was a 17-year-old full of hopes and dreams that were securely locked away in my heart. Dreams that were not just centred on singing, obviously, and now, at 37, I can say that I’ve fulfilled many of those dreams, even … [Read more...] about Nicola Alaimo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Rossini’s Otello is back at La Scala after 145 years
After 145 years, Rossini’s Otello is back at La Scala. Incredibly, it hasn’t been performed at the theatre since 1870. A welcome return then for Rossini’s take on Shakespeare’s story, which he and his librettist took some liberties with (a billet-doux instead of a handkerchief and no Cassio), one of the biggest changes being to pump up the role of Rodrigo so that he is on equal … [Read more...] about Rossini’s Otello is back at La Scala after 145 years