A pleasing new season at La Scala seems to tick all the right boxes, with half the programming dedicated to the Italian repertoire, some rarities, important international operas and a world premiere. The season will also mark the 40th Anniversary of Riccardo Chailly’s collaboration with the theatre, and the 95th birthday of Franco Zeffirelli.The 2017-2018 Season kicks … [Read more...] about La Scala, Milan: Opera and Recital Season 2017 – 2018
Magda Olivero
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”
The funeral of Magda Olivero – 11 September 2014
Magda Olivero's funeral was a life affirming mix of emotions. She was a practising Catholic, and three different priests, who had been close to her for many years, spoke about this very special woman.A Czechoslovakian had known Olivero from the 1960s when he took over the church in Solda. This was where she had a holiday home with her husband, at 2,000-meters, in the … [Read more...] about The funeral of Magda Olivero – 11 September 2014
La Scala pays tribute to Magda Olivero who has died at 104
Theatrical to the last, the great soprano Magda Olivero died on the day of La Scala's opening performance after the summer break. Before Maria Agresta's recital a beautifully worded tribute to Olivero's career, voice and life was read out, and then the audience stood for a minute's silence. It was followed by long applause.Although Olivero started having difficulties in … [Read more...] about La Scala pays tribute to Magda Olivero who has died at 104
Magda Olivero at 102: The problem is that there are many singing teachers, but few of any worth
Just after Magda Olivero's 102nd birthday, (on March 25), the Corriere della Sera went to visit her. This remarkable woman still has a lot to say. While many of her opinions are maybe inevitable for someone of such an age (the Milanese are no longer well-mannered; modern opera productions have gone downhill; there are no outstanding singers nowadays), many of her comments … [Read more...] about Magda Olivero at 102: The problem is that there are many singing teachers, but few of any worth