Q&AWhen did you start dancing? I started when I was 12.Why did you start dancing? I had severe heart rhythm problems and my doctor suggested me to dance as therapy for my disease. He was right, and my heart problem disappeared with ballet.Which dancer inspired you most as a child? Zoltán Solymosi, former Hungarian principal dancer of Royal Ballet.Which … [Read more...] about István Simon answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Luciano Pavarotti
Amodio and Luzzati’s Nutcracker and Coppélia once again go on tour
One of the most charming and winning productions of The Nutcracker seen in Italy during the last fifty years, was created for the relatively small company AterBalletto. The company is now known as a contemporary group (it was transformed as such by former Artistic Director Mauro Bigonzetti, whose works dominated its programming from 1997); however, from its beginnings in the … [Read more...] about Amodio and Luzzati’s Nutcracker and Coppélia once again go on tour
Joyce DiDonato joins opera singers from 70 years of Desert Island Discs
As a committed fan of BBC 4's Desert Island Discs, I am delighted that Joyce DiDonato will be revealing her list of eight recordings, a book and a luxury item that she would take if she was to be cast away on a desert island.Of course, it's the chat between the music that is the captivating aspect of the programme - Tom Hanks broke down in tears more than once, "Kirsty, … [Read more...] about Joyce DiDonato joins opera singers from 70 years of Desert Island Discs
Pavarotti’s family tells Trump to stop using Nessun Dorma
Luciano Pavarotti’s three daughters Lorenza, Cristina and Giuliana, together with his widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, have requested that the Trump campaign stops using the Maestro’s voice.A statement sent to the newspaper of Pavarotti’s hometown, the Gazzetta di Modena, reads: We understand that the aria "Nessun dorma" sung by Luciano Pavarotti is being used as part of the … [Read more...] about Pavarotti’s family tells Trump to stop using Nessun Dorma
Renata Scotto on slapping a tenor, the divine Callas, and… Bocelli
Renata Scotto has never been one to hold her tongue and at 81 she doesn’t intend to start. In a recent interview for Italy’s Il Corriere della Sera, she was asked about Andrea Bocelli: He’s good when he’s singing pop music and he’s achieved a popularity that’s perfect for the masses. He shouldn’t, however, grapple with opera. Which is, of course, what many of her colleagues … [Read more...] about Renata Scotto on slapping a tenor, the divine Callas, and… Bocelli
Nicola Alaimo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italianoWhen 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 dreams that were securely locked away in my heart. Dreams that were not just centred on singing, obviously, and now, at 37, I can say that I’ve fulfilled many of those dreams, even … [Read more...] about Nicola Alaimo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Interview with Virginia Zeani at 90 “My brain believes that I’m eternally young”
Inside I feel 50, outside I feel 70, and my brain believes that I’m eternally young. But on 21 October the great soprano Virginia Zeani will be 90. Naturally, many of my friends are dead. It’s normal. One is condemned after 70 to see many friends die, so when one reaches 90… well, I hope that I’ll arrive at 90; there are still a couple of days to go! She is a strikingly … [Read more...] about Interview with Virginia Zeani at 90 “My brain believes that I’m eternally young”
Happy 80th Birthday Mirella Freni… from La Scala – in photos and video
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
Brava, Jessye! Met Opera Guild’s 80th Luncheon salutes Jessye Norman
On Friday 21 November, the Metropolitan Opera Guild’s 80th Annual Luncheon presents Brava, Jessye! to salute Jessye Norman, who recently wrote about her life in a memoir titled Stand Up Straight and Sing!A perennial highlight of the opera season, the Luncheon will bring together a host of artists and other luminaries to honour the sumptuous-voiced soprano and her long and … [Read more...] about Brava, Jessye! Met Opera Guild’s 80th Luncheon salutes Jessye Norman
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