In memoriam 2021: From Carla Fracci to Christa Ludwig, from Stephen Sondheim to Raffaella Carrà - a personal list of some of the artists the world lost in 2021. NameDatesAgeDescriptionLiam … [Read more...] about In Memoriam 2021: Singers, Dancers, Actors, Writers, Directors
James Levine
Franco Vassallo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? When I was 11 to a disc of Rigoletto with Gobbi, Callas and Di Stefano; a blanket on my shoulder and an umbrella served as my cloak and … [Read more...] about Franco Vassallo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Leontyne Price is 90 – best wishes and photographic memories from La Scala
On this day, 10 February 1927, Leontyne Price was born in Laurel, Mississipi. To celebrate her 90th birthday, La Scala joins companies, colleagues and fans the world over in wishing her a happy … [Read more...] about Leontyne Price is 90 – best wishes and photographic memories from La Scala
Giovanna d’Arco – the background of La Scala’s latest production
On 7 December 2015, La Scala’s 2015-2016 Season opens with Giuseppe Verdi’s Giovanna d’Arco, which had its premiere at La Scala on 15 February 1845, but hasn’t been staged at the Milanese theatre … [Read more...] about Giovanna d’Arco – the background of La Scala’s latest production
Nicola Alaimo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When 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 … [Read more...] about Nicola Alaimo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Frederica von Stade answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start singing? Maybe at 5. Why did you start singing? I always loved to sing anywhere, anytime. Which singer inspired you most when you were young? Gwen Verdon, … [Read more...] about Frederica von Stade answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
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
Fiorenza Cossotto answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When 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 … [Read more...] about Fiorenza Cossotto answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Natalie Dessay pulls out of next month’s Manon performances at La Scala “for health reasons” – Netrebko takes over
Natalie Dessay was forced to cancel, even mid-performance, performances of La Traviata at the Metropolitan Opera last month, where she was replaced by soprano Hei-Kyung Hong. The conductor was Fabio … [Read more...] about Natalie Dessay pulls out of next month’s Manon performances at La Scala “for health reasons” – Netrebko takes over
Behind every great woman is a great man: the man being conductor Fabio Luisi and the woman his photographer wife Barbara
Barbara Luisi was, no is, a violinist, but her passion for photography has taken over and her hobby has become her major activity. Though she begun studying the violin at 9 in her home town, Munich, … [Read more...] about Behind every great woman is a great man: the man being conductor Fabio Luisi and the woman his photographer wife Barbara
James Levine’s statement on his decision to withdraw from the Met until after the 2012-13 season
No one will be surprised, but James Levine, still recovering from a spinal injury, has now written a statement explaining his physical condition, and explaining his decision to pull out of conducting … [Read more...] about James Levine’s statement on his decision to withdraw from the Met until after the 2012-13 season
James Levine cancels his next performances at the Met
The end of an era: James Levine, the Metropolitan Opera's musical director and principal conductor, has cancelled his fall performances. According to the Met's press release, Levine suffered a fall … [Read more...] about James Levine cancels his next performances at the Met
American baritone Cornell MacNeil dies at 88
The American baritone Cornell MacNeil died on July 15, he was 88. He was best known for his many Verdi roles. From 1959 to 1987, he sang 26 roles in more than 600 appearances at the Metropolitan … [Read more...] about American baritone Cornell MacNeil dies at 88
Fabio Luisi’s moving house – but will Jimmy Levine be moving out?
Fabio Luisi is moving to New York. He and his wife, Barbara Luisi, a former violinist and now a photographer, and their 13-year-old son are moving to New York in May, to an apartment on West 96th … [Read more...] about Fabio Luisi’s moving house – but will Jimmy Levine be moving out?
Fabio Luisi chasing James Levine’s job leaves an opening for the young Daniele Rustioni
Last night Daniele Rustioni conducted Aida at Covent Garden. At 28 he is certainly young, but as assistant to the house musical director Antonio Pappano he was an obvious and pleasing choise to … [Read more...] about Fabio Luisi chasing James Levine’s job leaves an opening for the young Daniele Rustioni
James Levine – time to pass the baton?
For seven years, James Levine has been splitting his time three ways: leading the Boston Symphony Orchestra, presiding over the musical side of the Metropolitan Opera, and sitting out large chunks of … [Read more...] about James Levine – time to pass the baton?