Q&A When did you start playing an instrument? When I was 4 years old, on a toy keyboard. Why did you start playing? I don’t know; I learned music by myself. Which musicians inspired you most when you were young? J. S. Bach. Which musicians (instrumentalists or singers) do you most admire? Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli. What’s your favourite piece to conduct? Schumann, … [Read more...] about Ottavio Dantone answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Conductors’ Edition
Luchino Visconti
Alberto Testa – Italian dancer, choreographer, teacher and writer – has died at 96
Alberto Testa was a walking encyclopedia of dance, always elegantly dressed with never a hair out of place, and was very much of another time recalling Frederick Ashton with his old-school ways. Although he could be childlike and impish in his humour, he commanded great deference from those who collaborated with him and those who could call him their friend. Just as the young … [Read more...] about Alberto Testa – Italian dancer, choreographer, teacher and writer – has died at 96
Luisa Mandelli, Maria Callas’ Annina at La Scala, has died at 95
Luisa Mandelli, Maria Callas' Annina at La Scala, died last night, just short of her 96th birthday. Daniel Barenboim called her the 'eternal Annina' having sung alongside Callas in Luchino Visconti's production of La traviata at La Scala under the baton of Carlo Maria Giulini. Mandelli was a constant presence in the theatre travelling on the metro from her home in Verdi's … [Read more...] about Luisa Mandelli, Maria Callas’ Annina at La Scala, has died at 95
“Maria Callas on stage-the La Scala Years” at La Scala’s Museum extended until 31 March
The exhibition "Maria Callas on stage-the La Scala Years" at La Scala’s Museum has been extended until 31 March. Since 15 September over 90,000 visitors have seen the exhibition, curated by theatre designer Margherita Palli. It is dedicated to the Milanese years of the great soprano with 14 original costumes and a selection of sketches and designs by Lila de Nobili, together … [Read more...] about “Maria Callas on stage-the La Scala Years” at La Scala’s Museum extended until 31 March
80 years of opera and ballet costumes from La Scala go on display
The theatrical costume is a paradox: it hides, yet at the same time, communicates revealing aspects of a character; it is made to be seen from afar, yet the designers and costume makers care for the tiniest details, even if invisible. Each costume contains thousands of secrets, from colour combining to decoration, from the choice of a fabric to the technique to create a form. … [Read more...] about 80 years of opera and ballet costumes from La Scala go on display