La Scala remembers the great conductor Victor de Sabata with an exhibition in the theatre foyer (which opens tomorrow, Sunday 12 November) and Riccardo Chailly has chosen to dedicate Andrea Chénier to his memory, which is the opera which opens the theatre’s season on 7 December. De Sabata first arrived at La Scala in the 1920s, and was the theatre’s Musical Director from … [Read more...] about Newly restored photos from the La Scala Archive of Victor de Sabata with Callas, Tebaldi, Toscanini, Olivier
Mario Del Monaco
Stunning photos from La Scala archives celebrate Raina Kabaivanska’s return to the theatre
As part of the Great Voices at La Scala series, Raina Kabaivanska will be interviewed Sabino Lenoci and Giancarlo Landini of Italy’s L’Opera magazine in the theatre at 4pm, Saturday 4 November. After the success of Puccini’s Tabarro in 1959 with Piero Cappuccilli at Vercelli’s Teatro Civico, Kabaivanska started out on her triumphant international career. Her … [Read more...] about Stunning photos from La Scala archives celebrate Raina Kabaivanska’s return to the theatre
A first listen to the new Maria Callas Live: Remastered Live Recordings 1949-1964
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 performances to treasure. It is timed to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of her death in Paris on 16 September 1977. The 42 CDs contain 20 complete operas, and three Blu-ray discs hold … [Read more...] about A first listen to the new Maria Callas Live: Remastered Live Recordings 1949-1964
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. 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
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
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
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 celebrating the ‘grandi voci’ that this theatre has witnessed started with the celebration of Mirella Freni’s 80th birthday in February. The meeting with Cossotto kicks off a series … [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 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
Fiorenza Cossotto answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When 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
Del Monaco regains consciousness: “It was lucky that I escaped, otherwise she would have slaughtered me.”
Claudio Del Monaco remains in a chronic condition but the prognosis is more positive, though doctors at Treviso's Ca 'Foncello hospital haven't yet taken him off the danger list. Del Monaco, director and son of Italian opera's great Mario, has improved greatly since he was admitted to hospital. Two severe stab wounds, inflicted by his wife, Daniela Werner … [Read more...] about Del Monaco regains consciousness: “It was lucky that I escaped, otherwise she would have slaughtered me.”