More than a gift to their own coffers, Warner Classics in releasing Maria Callas Live is giving fans of La Divina and lovers of opera a meticulously restored collection of some of her finest … [Read more...] about A first listen to the new Maria Callas Live: Remastered Live Recordings 1949-1964
Maria Callas
Maria Callas as told by her ‘little sister’, Giovanna Lomazzi [interview]
On 16 September 2017, it will be 40 years since Maria Callas died in her home in Paris at the age of 53. Callas’s friend Giovanna Lomazzi was just 20 when the two of them met in Milan in 1952 after … [Read more...] about Maria Callas as told by her ‘little sister’, Giovanna Lomazzi [interview]
Maria Callas was a tenor
In a bizarre muddle-up by someone at the Verona Sera online news service, a headline stated that 2 August was the 70th Anniversary of ‘tenor’ Maria Callas’s debut at the Verona Arena. Part of a … [Read more...] about Maria Callas was a tenor
Marie Duplessis, at 23, inspired Dumas then Verdi; now 23-year-old Maria Mudryak sings La traviata
La traviata, an opera that has moved audiences to tears since its premiere in Venice in 1853, was based on a true story of prostitution, obsession and love. Marie Duplessis was born in 1824 to a … [Read more...] about Marie Duplessis, at 23, inspired Dumas then Verdi; now 23-year-old Maria Mudryak sings La traviata
Gina Lollobrigida at 90 on Loren, Castro, singing and sculpture: “I was the number one!”
When I can to Rome the first time with my family we were six in one room: father, mother and four children. Gina Lollobrigida, who today celebrates her 90th birthday, has for many years lived in her … [Read more...] about Gina Lollobrigida at 90 on Loren, Castro, singing and sculpture: “I was the number one!”
Maria Mudryak answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? My first performance was when I was three years old, then when I was five I started my musical training, and at six I recorded my first CD … [Read more...] about Maria Mudryak answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
La Scala, Milan: Opera and Recital Season 2017 – 2018
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. … [Read more...] about La Scala, Milan: Opera and Recital Season 2017 – 2018
Maria Callas to Daniela Dessì: study to be good, not famous
The popular Italian gossip magazine Chi has published a series of articles about soprano Daniela Dessì. Her death at 59, just over two months ago, shocked the opera world, and beyond: Chi is not a … [Read more...] about Maria Callas to Daniela Dessì: study to be good, not famous
Maria Callas, The Exhibition – the life of La Divina on display in Verona
Maria Callas: The Exhibition in Verona, runs throughout the summer opera season until 18 September 2016. It is the largest such exhibition dedicated to La Divina and contains artefacts from her … [Read more...] about Maria Callas, The Exhibition – the life of La Divina on display in Verona
Anna Pirozzi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? Opera at 25… Pop music at 16 Why did you start singing? It was love at first sight. Which singer inspired you most when you were … [Read more...] about Anna Pirozzi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Barenboim drops Callas’s 93-year-old Annina from tonight’s Traviata in Berlin
93-year-old Luisa Mandelli, who sixty years ago was the Annina in Luchino Visconti’s La traviata with Maria Callas, was due to perform the same role under the baton of Daniel Barenboim this … [Read more...] about Barenboim drops Callas’s 93-year-old Annina from tonight’s Traviata in Berlin
Renata Scotto vs Maria Callas – the 1970 fight at La Scala
When Renata Scotto made her début in I vespri siciliani at La Scala to open the theatre’s season on 7 December 1970, one of the singers that she admired the most was in the theatre. Maria Callas had … [Read more...] about Renata Scotto vs Maria Callas – the 1970 fight at La Scala
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 … [Read more...] about Interview with Virginia Zeani at 90 “My brain believes that I’m eternally young”
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf’s 100th birthday celebrated with remastered recordings
The 100th birthday of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf falls on 9 December 2015. She died in 2006, but her recordings are a timeless treasure of the Warner Classics catalogue, like those of her contemporary and … [Read more...] about Elisabeth Schwarzkopf’s 100th birthday celebrated with remastered recordings
Carla Fracci 79 (today) to Roberto Bolle 40
Today Carla Fracci turns 79∗ and during August, she has been performing once again. Roberto Bolle is half her age and at 40 shows no sign of ending his career on stage. In 2007 Bolle famously … [Read more...] about Carla Fracci 79 (today) to Roberto Bolle 40
Maria Callas’ Annina returns to sing the same role after sixty years
Luisa Mandelli, who played Annina in Luchino Visconti's La traviata at La Scala in 1955, is now 93 years old. Although a small role, she is remembered for her presence in this production not only … [Read more...] about Maria Callas’ Annina returns to sing the same role after sixty years
La Scala pays tribute to Fiorenza Cossotto
Yesterday, La Scala celebrated Fiorenza Cossotto’s 80th birthday with a conference in the Toscanini Foyer. Joining her were Sabino Lenoci and Giancarlo Landini from L’Opera Magazine. The idea of … [Read more...] about La Scala pays tribute to Fiorenza Cossotto
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 … [Read more...] about Happy 80th Birthday Mirella Freni… from La Scala – in photos and video
Amici della Scala celebrates Lila de Nobili with Frigerio, Fracci, Bruson and …
The annual presentation of the latest additions to the series of books produced by the Amici della Scala (Friends of La Scala) is quite an event. It is held in the grand foyer on the first floor of … [Read more...] about Amici della Scala celebrates Lila de Nobili with Frigerio, Fracci, Bruson and …
Dario Fo remembers Maria Callas
I encountered this exceptional soprano when I was little more than 20 years old. She was two or three years older... says Dario Fo, who steps on stage in Milan next week with a new work, Una Callas … [Read more...] about Dario Fo remembers Maria Callas
Warner Classics issue Maria Callas’ new LP
Warner Classics released a new Maria Callas LP today. LP? Yes LP! Although the Long Playing disc has had a niche market after the introduction of CDs in the pop music field, especially for indie … [Read more...] about Warner Classics issue Maria Callas’ new LP
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 … [Read more...] about The funeral of Magda Olivero – 11 September 2014
Callas Remastered: as you’ve never heard her before on 69 cds
Warner Classics now holds the key to the Maria Callas official recordings treasure chest. Recently that key was taken out, and the original masters were carefully removed and transferred to computers … [Read more...] about Callas Remastered: as you’ve never heard her before on 69 cds
Meryl Streep to play Maria Callas in HBO’s film of McNally’s Master Class
Meryl Streep will play Maria Callas in a filmed version of Terrence McNally’s play Master Class. New York Post's Page Six reported that HBO would start filming in January of 2015. Mike Nichols - … [Read more...] about Meryl Streep to play Maria Callas in HBO’s film of McNally’s Master Class
Gheorghiu the Diva vs Angela the Woman
Angela Gheorghiu acts the diva, but she doesn't seem to be one. Before her appearances in Italy she leaves bold statements in the newspapers - "I don't feel the shadow of Callas" - "La Scala should … [Read more...] about Gheorghiu the Diva vs Angela the Woman
Newly discovered letters by Maria Callas on the eve of her Norma début
On 13 May a group of letters written by Maria Callas to her teacher Elvira de Hidalgo will go under the hammer. Callas auditioned for de Hidalgo - herself a famous coloratura soprano - in Greece in … [Read more...] about Newly discovered letters by Maria Callas on the eve of her Norma début
Carla Fracci’s autobiography: Step After Step
Based on a long series of conversations with Enrico Rotelli, Passo dopo passo (Step After Step) is Carla Fracci telling her story in her own words. From a simple childhood during the war to the … [Read more...] about Carla Fracci’s autobiography: Step After Step
Renato Cioni’s last interview: remembering Callas
Renato Cioni, who died today, left at interview just a few months ago, talking to Stephen Hastings, the editor of the Italian magazine Musica. Hastings asked him about the London Tosca with Maria … [Read more...] about Renato Cioni’s last interview: remembering Callas
Callas and Sutherland’s tenor – Renato Cioni – dies at 84
Renato Cioni, the great Tuscan tenor, died today in his home town of Portoferraio, on the island of Elba, where he was born almost 85 years ago. His career took off in the mid 1950s when he sang … [Read more...] about Callas and Sutherland’s tenor – Renato Cioni – dies at 84
Renata Scotto on Maria Callas: greater than all of us
"Listen to me, everyone speak about Callas. But I know Callas. I know Callas before she was Callas. She was fat and she had this vociaccia — you know what a vociaccia is? You go kill a cat and record … [Read more...] about Renata Scotto on Maria Callas: greater than all of us
