• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • HOME
  • POPULAR POSTS
    • DANCE
    • MUSIC & OPERA
    • PHOTOGRAPHY
  • QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
    • DANCERS
    • SINGERS
  • MY PHOTOS
  • CONTACT
gramilano logo

Gramilano

- dance, opera, photography...

London

David Bowie Is…

27 October 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

After the success of the Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition David Bowie Is, the collection has now arrived in Toronto where it can be seen until 27 November, before moving on around America. The … [Read more...] about David Bowie Is…

Unknown painting of Elizabeth I at the National Portrait Gallery

8 May 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

A previously unknown painting of Elizabeth I attributed to the miniaturist Isaac Oliver has been acquired by London's National Portrait Gallery. The small painting – the size of a postcard – will … [Read more...] about Unknown painting of Elizabeth I at the National Portrait Gallery

Sylvie Guillem on why she’s still ‘Mademoiselle Non’

19 June 2012 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Sylive Guillem will be in Venice tomorrow to receive from the Biennale  the Leone d'oro  (Golden Lion) for "having redesigned the form of the dancer, defying the laws of physics". Valeria Crippa … [Read more...] about Sylvie Guillem on why she’s still ‘Mademoiselle Non’

Annigoni’s great 1950s painting of the Queen goes on show for the first time in 26 years in the Diamond Jubilee Exhibition

16 May 2012 by Gramilano 4 Comments

One of the greatest royal portraits of the twentieth century, Pietro Annigoni’s 1954-5 painting of The Queen is to go on public display for the first time in 26 years at the National Portrait’s … [Read more...] about Annigoni’s great 1950s painting of the Queen goes on show for the first time in 26 years in the Diamond Jubilee Exhibition

London’s National Portrait Gallery celebrates a record 2 million visitors

28 March 2012 by Gramilano 2 Comments

The National Portrait Gallery yesterday welcomed its two millionth visitors – a milestone which sets up the highest annual figures in the Gallery’s history when they are published at the end of the … [Read more...] about London’s National Portrait Gallery celebrates a record 2 million visitors

Victor Hochhauser goes to the High Court over Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker

17 March 2012 by Gramilano 1 Comment

The Birmingham Royal Ballet's Nutcracker at London's O2 arena in London has led to a High Court battle, says The Telegraph. The 89 year-old promoterVictor Hochhauser is suing the owners of the O2 … [Read more...] about Victor Hochhauser goes to the High Court over Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker

James Earl Jones receives an Oscar onstage in London

13 November 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

James Earl Jones has received an honorary Oscar on the London stage, to the surprise of his matinee audience. Jones, currently starring opposite Vanessa Redgrave in Driving Miss Daisy - said he was … [Read more...] about James Earl Jones receives an Oscar onstage in London

The Times’ rave for Jonas Kaufmann at the Festival Hall

25 October 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Neil Fisher loved Jonas Kaufmann's London concert, and so, it seems, did the rest of the audience. Here's part of review: This wasn’t just a concert. It was a manifesto. There is no other tenor today … [Read more...] about The Times’ rave for Jonas Kaufmann at the Festival Hall

Broadway’s Billy Elliot to close

4 October 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Broadway musical “Billy Elliot”, winner of 10 Tony Awards in 2009 and a hot ticket for much of its run, will close on January 8, 2012, after 3 years and 3 months of performances. The decision … [Read more...] about Broadway’s Billy Elliot to close

Elizabeth Taylor’s memorabilia returns to LA before the Christie’s auction

3 October 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The jewelry from seven husbands. The wardrobe of a '60s jet-setter. The memorabilia of a Hollywood icon, including a love poem by Bob Dylan that he scrawled on a framed publicity poster of himself and … [Read more...] about Elizabeth Taylor’s memorabilia returns to LA before the Christie’s auction

Angela Gheorghiu: The Rolling Stones have a big sound. You know why? Because they are plugged in!

29 September 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Angela Gheorghiu is in London to promote a season of Royal Opera House filmed performances, three starring herself. The Royal Opera House is striving to build up opera and ballet audiences by piping … [Read more...] about Angela Gheorghiu: The Rolling Stones have a big sound. You know why? Because they are plugged in!

Latest on Phantom’s 25th anniversary spectacular

8 September 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

To mark its 25th Anniversary year, “The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall” will be screened live in around 250 cinemas nationwide across the UK at 7pm on October 2nd. The event will be … [Read more...] about Latest on Phantom’s 25th anniversary spectacular

Placido Domingo on signing autographs and driving in London

25 August 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Just before giving his O2 concert in London, Placido Domingo talked to The Sunday Times' "A Life in the Day" column: on signing autographs, I live as simply as possible, but sometimes it’s a … [Read more...] about Placido Domingo on signing autographs and driving in London

Sneak peek: Peter Schaufuss working with Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev for London’s next R&J

27 June 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Peter Schaufuss is rehearsing his company's Romeo & Juliet for London. It marks the 40th anniversary of Schaufuss’s first appearance with London Festival Ballet, now English National Ballet. More … [Read more...] about Sneak peek: Peter Schaufuss working with Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev for London’s next R&J

Among the fish & chips were Rojo & Acosta: the Royal Ballet at the O2

19 June 2011 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Covent Garden it ain't. The crowd is six times the size and a good half of them of them will be munching hot dogs throughout but the Royal Ballet's debut run at London's O2 this weekend is a great … [Read more...] about Among the fish & chips were Rojo & Acosta: the Royal Ballet at the O2

The ‘new Nureyev’? Can’t that be crossed out of the journalists’ handbook?

21 May 2011 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Certainly not-to-be-missed, the blurb from the ENO site announces the London performances of Romeo and Juliet with Ivan Vasiliev and Natalia Osipova: This July, for 9 performances only, Bolshoi … [Read more...] about The ‘new Nureyev’? Can’t that be crossed out of the journalists’ handbook?

The National Gallery starts advance booking for its ‘landmark’ Leonardo da Vinci show

9 May 2011 by Gramilano 2 Comments

London's National Gallery is to limit visitor numbers to a major exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci works in an attempt to prevent large crowds detracting from the viewing experience. Admissions will be … [Read more...] about The National Gallery starts advance booking for its ‘landmark’ Leonardo da Vinci show

Julie Andrews’ three breakthrough moments

2 May 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

In the beginning, there are three main stepping stones that I remember very clearly. One was when I was 12 and made what I would call my official debut. I sang one song in a musical revue in London. … [Read more...] about Julie Andrews’ three breakthrough moments

Patrice Chéreau on English actors, the theatre, and his homosexuality

29 April 2011 by Gramilano 1 Comment

The Guardian went to meet Patrice Chéreau who is in London to rehearse the first play he has ever directed in the UK. It's a coup for the Young Vic. The play he is rehearsing is I Am The Wind, a … [Read more...] about Patrice Chéreau on English actors, the theatre, and his homosexuality

Rufus Wainwright talks to Vanity Fair about Judy and Liza

6 April 2011 by Gramilano 1 Comment

London was a big town for her. When I did the show at Carnegie Hall, there were people hating it, people sort of accepting it, people kind of [exhibiting] a general weariness of the whole … [Read more...] about Rufus Wainwright talks to Vanity Fair about Judy and Liza

Phantom of the Opera to get a new production for international touring

3 April 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Cameron Mackintosh intends to present a newly imagined international production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, to première in England perhaps as early as 2012, says … [Read more...] about Phantom of the Opera to get a new production for international touring

Anne-Marie Duff on life and death and sex… and Rattigan

26 March 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Today is Tennessee Williams' 100th birthday and his works are being justly celebrated. But that other closeted centenarian playwright, Terrence Rattigan, whose 100th would have been in June, is … [Read more...] about Anne-Marie Duff on life and death and sex… and Rattigan

Woody Allen chooses Rome for his next film

8 March 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica Woody Allen announced that he would be filming in Rome soon. It’s fantastic to have the possibility to work there, like when I shot … [Read more...] about Woody Allen chooses Rome for his next film

Picasso’s “Nude, Green Leaves and Bust” to go on display at the Tate Modern

7 March 2011 by Gramilano 1 Comment

The most expensive painting to be sold at auction, Pablo Picasso's "Nude, Green Leaves and Bust," goes on public display in Britain for the first time on Monday at the Tate Modern gallery in … [Read more...] about Picasso’s “Nude, Green Leaves and Bust” to go on display at the Tate Modern

“Ideas batter me like hailstones. Who am I?” – Frankenstein at the National Theatre

28 February 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Frankenstein, the play, directed by Danny Boyle, is just the latest in an almost innumerable sequence of stage, television and film versions of Shelley’s book. Ever since it was published, almost 200 … [Read more...] about “Ideas batter me like hailstones. Who am I?” – Frankenstein at the National Theatre

Even Florez is fallible: “a resonant expostulation of “Oh, shit” from the performer”

21 January 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Juan Diego Florez has been used to glowing reviews since his début at the Rossini Opera Festival. Recently he has started receiving some sterner criticism, and reactions to his latest recital in … [Read more...] about Even Florez is fallible: “a resonant expostulation of “Oh, shit” from the performer”

Mozart Unwrapped at Kings Place, London

6 January 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Richard Fairman in the Financial Times goes to the opening of Mozart Unwrapped: The champagne flowed as the musicians were tuning up – not for Johann Strauss, the composer who is usually the toast … [Read more...] about Mozart Unwrapped at Kings Place, London

Fifty years of the Royal Ballet

4 January 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Proud Galleries in Chelsea launch its first ever exhibition dedicated to ballet with Fifty Years of the Royal Ballet, photographs by Colin Jones. Born in 1936 as the son of an East London … [Read more...] about Fifty years of the Royal Ballet

Hänsel und Gretel at the Royal Opera: “This production contains potentially disturbing images for very young or sensitive children”

25 December 2010 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Nick Kimberley in the London Eveneing Standard writes: The Royal Opera’s staging of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel carries a parental advisory notice: “This production contains potentially … [Read more...] about Hänsel und Gretel at the Royal Opera: “This production contains potentially disturbing images for very young or sensitive children”

Playbill’s Ruth Leon celebrates The Ivy, the West End’s starriest restaurant

13 December 2010 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The most theatrical event in London recently wasn't in a theatre — it was in a restaurant. The Ivy, in Covent Garden, is the work cafeteria for the stars, producers, directors and playwrights of … [Read more...] about Playbill’s Ruth Leon celebrates The Ivy, the West End’s starriest restaurant

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

SUBSCRIBE

Gramilano newsletter 2019

CATEGORIES

FOLLOW

  • 21,000 Subscribers
  • 22,866 Followers
  • 235k Followers
  • 602 Subscribers
  • 3,415 Followers
  • 20,023 Followers

NEWS

New York City Ballet 2023 Spring Season is announced

Principal Brandon Lawrence to leave Birmingham Royal Ballet to join Ballett Zürich

Two new opera recordings to be released by Warner Classics/Erato

Four new Principal dancers for New York City Ballet

LaScalaTv, La Scala’s new streaming platform, is now live

Royal Ballet principal dancer Laura Morera to retire

Pam Tanowitz’s Secret Things, her second world premiere for The Royal Ballet this season

Prix de Lausanne 2023 – the full lineup

Principal dancer Jared Angle to give final performance with NYCB

The Australian Ballet will tour to the Royal Opera House in August 2023

FEATURED POSTS

The Tricks of the Trocks: powder, ice and pointe shoes

Dance injuries from the ballet dancer’s point of view: top stars share their experiences

Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov in cover art for the Romanza album

Interview with Anna Netrebko on her son, his autism and his abandonment by his father Erwin Schrott

Coppélia with Vadim Muntagirov and Marianela Nunez, photo by Bill Cooper ROH

Interview: The Royal Ballet’s Ballet Master, Christopher Carr, on mounting Coppélia, the company’s dancers and technique

Gregory Kunde as Otello, photo by Matthias Baus, Teatro alla Scala 2015

Top opera singers discuss how they choose and prepare new roles

You choose it out of Love! Dancing with the Khan-MacKay family

Thomas Hampson by Jiyang Chen

Thomas Hampson answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition

Renata Scotto with Maria Callas

Renata Scotto vs Maria Callas – the 1970 fight at La Scala

Nunez headshot cropped

In conversation with Marianela Nuñez

In and Out: Bolle, Gomes, Stiefel – how easy is it to be an openly gay ballet dancer?

GRAHAM SPICER

Writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name ‘Gramilano’) about dance, opera, music and photography for people who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like. I was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. My scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman’s Weekly to Gay Times. I write the ‘Danza in Italia’ column for Dancing Times magazine.

You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or follow my Facebook page.

Referred-to-by

SEARCH

Copyright © 2023 · Gramilano · All rights reserved

about me · contact me · privacy and cookies

Would you like to receive an email whenever we publish a new post?

SUBSCRIBE