At 74, after many years away from the stage, and often from singing (the wear and tear on her voice means that even singing a popular song on TV can lead to surprising results), Katia Ricciarelli returns to opera in Cavalleria Rusticana. It was Cecilia Gasdia, now intendant of Verona’s Arena, who convinced her. It will be paired with Pagliacci, and film director Gabriele … [Read more...] about Katia Ricciarelli at 74 returns to the opera stage and talks about being a diva
Katia Ricciarelli
Rolando Panerai dies at 95 – a career of tradition and adventure
With Rolando Panerai we lose a star of opera that we will not see the like of again, and many of his performances have shaped the history of La Scala’s opera house. La Scala left these words today, reflecting on the career of the great baritone, who died on Tuesday at 95. Maybe some of Panerai's most memorable performances at La Scala were in Lucia di Lammermoor with Callas … [Read more...] about Rolando Panerai dies at 95 – a career of tradition and adventure
Puccini’s granddaughter against Riccardo Chailly’s booed Madama Butterfly
Riccardo Chailly’s ‘Puccini Project’ at La Scala will continue with a new production of Madama Butterfly to open the 2016-2017 Season. The opera was written for La Scala in February 1904 and was booed heavily (and whistled at, the traditional sign of disapproval in Italian theatres). It was quickly withdrawn from the theatre’s schedule after that one performance. Puccini … [Read more...] about Puccini’s granddaughter against Riccardo Chailly’s booed Madama Butterfly
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 since 1865. Bringing back this opera after 150 years is part of the artistic and cultural line that will link the following seasons at La Scala. The new directors wish to revive … [Read more...] about Giovanna d’Arco – the background of La Scala’s latest production
Luca Ronconi, Italian director of theatre and opera, dies at 81
Italian director Luca Ronconi died yesterday evening in the Policlinico in Milan after a short illness. His health had been poor over the last years, he was on dialysis, and was complicated by pneumonia. He was 81. His collaboration with La Scala lasted for over thirty years and today the flag outside the theatre is flying at half-mast, and Riccardo Muti will dedicate tonight's … [Read more...] about Luca Ronconi, Italian director of theatre and opera, dies at 81