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 feisty Freni strode onstage and seemed surprised and visibly moved by the long standing ovation. She was not there to sing, though she says she still has the voice, but with … [Read more...] about Happy 80th Birthday Mirella Freni… from La Scala – in photos and video
Herbert von Karajan
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 Season with Fidelio directed by Deborah Warner. It marks the end of his nine years at the Teatro alla Scala at its musical helm, even though Barenboim’s first concert at La Scala … [Read more...] about Daniel Barenboim on ‘his’ Fidelio at La Scala
Fiorenza Cossotto answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italianoWhen 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 one.Which singer do you most admire? The good ones.What’s your favourite role? More than one... all the masterpieces.What role have you never played but would have … [Read more...] about Fiorenza Cossotto answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Callas and Sutherland’s tenor – Renato Cioni – dies at 84
Renato Cioni, the great Tuscan tenor, died today in his home town of Portoferraio, on the island of Elba, where he was born almost 85 years ago.His career took off in the mid 1950s when he sang in a television production of Madama Butterfly with Anna Moffo, and Pinkerton was the role with which he made his début at La Scala in 1961 under the baton of Gianandrea … [Read more...] about Callas and Sutherland’s tenor – Renato Cioni – dies at 84
Opera star Regina Resnik dies at 90
Regina Resnik, who was born as Resnick (she lost the 'c' early on) in the Bronx in 1922, has died in New York after a stroke, at 90.Resnick had a remarkable career change in her thirties went her voice shifted from soprano to mezzo. In an interview with the New York Times in 1967, she said, It was the biggest gamble of my life, when I decided over two tumultuous years that … [Read more...] about Opera star Regina Resnik dies at 90