• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • HOME
  • DANCE
    • Latest Dance Posts
    • Popular Dance Posts
    • Dancers’ Questionnaires
  • MUSIC & OPERA
    • Latest Music & Opera Posts
    • Popular Music & Opera Posts
    • Singers’ Questionnaires
  • INTERVIEWS
  • NEWS
  • GRAMILANO PHOTOS
  • CONTACT
Gramilano logo 2023

- dance, opera, photography...

Mayerling

Interview: The Royal Ballet’s William Bracewell on his journey to Mayerling

30 April 2026 by Lily Hyde Leave a Comment

William Bracewell as Crown Prince Rudolf with Leticia Dias as Countess Marie Larisch in Kenneth MacMillan's Mayerling (c)2026 Tristram Kenton crop

Lily Hyde talks to William Bracewell on preparing to play Prince Rudolf in The Royal Ballet's Mayerling, his acting process, and an unlikely source of inspiration. William Bracewell’s journey to … [Read more...] about Interview: The Royal Ballet’s William Bracewell on his journey to Mayerling

Interview: Royal Ballet Principal Calvin Richardson on life before and after Mayerling

23 April 2026 by Lily Hyde Leave a Comment

Calvin Richardson as Crown Prince Rudolf in Kenneth MacMillan's Mayerling (c)2026 RBO. Photographed by Andrej Uspenski crop

After his debut in the ballet Mayerling, The Royal Ballet's Calvin Richardson spoke with Lily Hyde about his dream role and career as Principal Dancer. Like many male ballet dancers, Calvin … [Read more...] about Interview: Royal Ballet Principal Calvin Richardson on life before and after Mayerling

Review: William Bracewell gives a Shakespearean performance in his debut in Mayerling with The Royal Ballet

4 April 2026 by Lily Hyde 1 Comment

Leticia Dias as Countess Marie Larisch and William Bracewell as Crown Prince Rudolf in Kenneth MacMillan's Mayerling (c)2026 Tristram Kenton (1)

Lily Hyde sees William Bracewell's debut in Mayerling – one of The Royal Ballet’s most intelligent dancers, a singular performer who evades comparison. TitleMayerlingCompanyThe Royal … [Read more...] about Review: William Bracewell gives a Shakespearean performance in his debut in Mayerling with The Royal Ballet

Review: Calvin Richardson makes an expressive and beautifully danced debut in The Royal Ballet’s Mayerling

3 April 2026 by Jonathan Gray Leave a Comment

Anna Rose O'Sullivan as Countess Marie Larisch and Calvin Richardson as Crown Prince Rudolf in Kenneth MacMillan's Mayerling (c)2026 RBO. Photographed by Andrej Uspenski

Jonathan Gray sees Calvin Richardson's debut in Mayerling with The Royal Ballet – Tall, elegantly proportioned, expressive and, above all, blessed with great physical … [Read more...] about Review: Calvin Richardson makes an expressive and beautifully danced debut in The Royal Ballet’s Mayerling

Review: Matthew Ball is riveting in The Royal Ballet’s Mayerling

2 April 2026 by Jonathan Gray 1 Comment

Melissa Hamilton as Mary Vetsera and Matthew Ball as Crown Prince Rudolf in Kenneth MacMillan's Mayerling (c)2026 Tristram Kenton (4)

Jonathan Gray sees a myriad of fine performances on Mayerling's opening night, but none finer than Matthew Ball in Laura Morera's detailed revival for The Royal Ballet. TitleMayerlingCompanyThe … [Read more...] about Review: Matthew Ball is riveting in The Royal Ballet’s Mayerling

Review: Kafka with the National Ballet of Brno – a tour de force for Arthur Abram in the title role

30 March 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Kafka - National Ballet of Brno - photo by Pavel Hejný - 08

Graham Watts admires the National Ballet of Brno's Kafka – it’s a physical challenge to match the role of Rudolf in MacMillan’s Mayerling. TitleKafkaCompanyNational Ballet of BrnoVenueJanacek … [Read more...] about Review: Kafka with the National Ballet of Brno – a tour de force for Arthur Abram in the title role

Rocio Aleman answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

25 September 2025 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Rocio Aleman in Die Kameliendame, photo by Roman Novitzky

Rocio Aleman was born in Monterrey, Mexico. In 2008 she went to Stuttgart to train at the John Cranko Schule, in 2011 she joined the Stuttgart Ballet becoming Principal Dancer in … [Read more...] about Rocio Aleman answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Reece Clarke answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

24 July 2024 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Reece Clarke and Kuma crop

The Royal Ballet principal dancer Reece Clarke on life and career, Kuma his dog, and that he'd like to die by a stampede of puppies… When did you start dancing?When I was three years old. Why … [Read more...] about Reece Clarke answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

[Interview] The authentic and passionate Laura Morera – a career without limits

29 April 2023 by Paul Arrowsmith 3 Comments

Laura Morera in Song of the Earth. Photo by Tristram Kenton, ROH, 2015

After 27 years with The Royal Ballet, Laura Morera's final performance at the Royal Opera House is on 17 June in Kenneth MacMillan’s Anastasia Act III. She dances on the company’s visit to … [Read more...] about [Interview] The authentic and passionate Laura Morera – a career without limits

Dance 2022 – Our critic looks at a year of dance in London

29 December 2022 by Matthew Paluch 5 Comments

12 - The Rite of Spring - Mats Ek - English National Ballet, photo by Dasa Wharton 2022

Matthew Paluch looks at London dance 2022. Balanchine said something or other about the now. The present is all that matters. So please forgive me Mr B, for I'm gonna be doing some reflecting. … [Read more...] about Dance 2022 – Our critic looks at a year of dance in London

[Review] Israel Galván gives a view of The Rite of Spring like no other

27 November 2022 by Jonathan Gray 2 Comments

Israel Galván in La Consagración de la Primavera, photo by Jean-Louis Duzert-04

Guest author Jonathan Gray sees Israel Galván’s La Consagración de la Primavera (The Rite of Spring) in London Title La Consagración de la PrimaveraCompanyIsrael Galván CompanyVenueSadler’s Wells, … [Read more...] about [Review] Israel Galván gives a view of The Rite of Spring like no other

[Review] Mayerling with Marcelino Sambé and Francesca Hayward: a magnificent night full of dazzling performances

25 November 2022 by Matthew Paluch 6 Comments

Mayerling rehearsals with Marcelino Sambé and Francesca Hayward, photo by Andrej Uspenski - 06

Guest author Matthew Paluch sees Mayerling at The Royal Opera House with Marcelino Sambé and Francesca Hayward TitleMayerlingCompanyThe Royal BalletVenueThe Royal Opera House, LondonDate24 November … [Read more...] about [Review] Mayerling with Marcelino Sambé and Francesca Hayward: a magnificent night full of dazzling performances

[Review] Mayerling in London and Paris on 30th anniversary of MacMillan’s death

31 October 2022 by Jonathan Gray 6 Comments

Vadim Muntagirov and Fumi Kaneko in Mayerling, photo by Andrej Uspenski, ROH 2022

Guest author Jonathan Gray looks at Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling in London and Paris TitleMayerlingCompanyThe Royal Ballet / Paris Opéra BalletVenueThe Royal Opera House, London / Palais Garnier, … [Read more...] about [Review] Mayerling in London and Paris on 30th anniversary of MacMillan’s death

[Interview] Royal Ballet’s Fumi Kaneko on her upcoming debut in Mayerling

14 October 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Fumi Kaneko and Vadim Muntagirov rehearse Mayerling. Photo by Dancers Diary ROH 1

The Royal Ballet’s long run of Mayerling proceeds with many debuts, including that of Fumi Kaneko who will be dancing Countess Larisch for the first time on 21 October. There are many other debuts … [Read more...] about [Interview] Royal Ballet’s Fumi Kaneko on her upcoming debut in Mayerling

How MacMillan shapes Rudolf’s women – The Royal Ballet in Mayerling

10 October 2022 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Natalia Osipova as Mary Vetsera and Ryoichi Hirano as Crown Prince Rudolf in Mayerling c 2018 ROH. Photograph by Helen Maybanks 2

Guest author Matthew Paluch watches The Royal Ballet in Mayerling and ponders on how the six main female characters shape Crown Prince Rudolf and his demise. People always complain that ballet … [Read more...] about How MacMillan shapes Rudolf’s women – The Royal Ballet in Mayerling

The Royal Ballet’s Mayerling in 1978, and now live in cinemas

28 September 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Natalia Osipova as Mary Vetsera and Ryoichi Hirano as Crown Prince Rudolf in Mayerling c 2018 ROH. Photograph by Helen Maybanks 1

The Royal Ballet opens its 2022-2023 cinema season with Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling, marking 30 years since the choreographer’s death in 1992. It will be broadcast on opening night, Wednesday 5 … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet’s Mayerling in 1978, and now live in cinemas

Royal Ballet debuts in MacMillan’s Mayerling – in cinemas

1 September 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Mayerling with Natalia Osipova and Ryoichi Hirano. ROH, 2018, photo by Helen Maybanks

Royal Ballet principals Vadim Muntagirov and Marcelino Sambé will make their debuts as Crown Prince Rudolf and Francesca Hayward will make her debut as Mary Vetsera in Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling, … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet debuts in MacMillan’s Mayerling – in cinemas

[Interview] Alessandra Ferri, part two: “When dance saved me”

22 April 2022 by Gramilano 2 Comments

GALA FRACCI - L'heure exquise - Alessandra Ferri Carsten Jung - photo by Brescia e Amisano © Teatro alla Scala (4)

When I was three, I was already living out stories in my head and had the feeling of another reality calling me. Even though my parents didn't go to the theatre, I said, “I want to go to dance … [Read more...] about [Interview] Alessandra Ferri, part two: “When dance saved me”

Royal Opera House Ballet and Opera season 2022-2023 in brief

7 April 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Royal Opera House

jump to OPERA SEASON 2022-2033 jump to BALLET SEASON 2022-2033 20 new productions, 9 world premieres and 3 UK premieres13 co-productions, co-commissions and partnerships with global … [Read more...] about Royal Opera House Ballet and Opera season 2022-2023 in brief

The Royal Ballet in Japan and Los Angeles – dates and casting

6 June 2019 by Gramilano 1 Comment

The Royal Ballet tours to Japan and Los Angeles this summer, presenting signature work from the Company’s repertory, a world premiere by Wayne McGregor and community engagement projects. Tokyo, Bunka … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet in Japan and Los Angeles – dates and casting

After 16 years, Thiago Soares leaves as Principal dancer with The Royal Ballet

21 January 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Thiago Soares in Rehearsal by Andrej Uspenski. ROH, 2016. 2

Thiago Soares becomes Royal Ballet guest Principal for the 2019/20 Season After 16 years with The Royal Ballet, Thiago Soares has decided to make this Season his last as a Principal dancer with the … [Read more...] about After 16 years, Thiago Soares leaves as Principal dancer with The Royal Ballet

Matthew Ball in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

16 December 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Matthew Ball in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, photo by Dasa Wharton, 2018 10

Luke Jennings – The Observer From the moment of his first entrance, it’s Ball’s show. As well as being an assured technician, he’s a dance actor of real charisma. As the Swan, he’s dangerous and … [Read more...] about Matthew Ball in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Photo Album – 40th anniversary performances of Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling

8 October 2018 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Mayerling - Steven McRae as Prince Rudolf © ROH, 2018

Kenneth MacMillan’s darkly dramatic masterpiece, Mayerling, opens The Royal Ballet’s 2018/19 Season. Featuring one of the most technically demanding male roles in classical ballet, Mayerling is based … [Read more...] about Photo Album – 40th anniversary performances of Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling

Exclusive photo from Royal Opera House archives to remember Kenneth MacMillan

29 October 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Rite of Spring Rehearsal with Monica Mason, Kenneth MacMillan, Simon Rice, Fiona Chadwick. ©ROH, 1987. Photo by Neil Libbert

Kenneth MacMillan died of a heart attack on 29 October 1992. It happened during a performance of his 1978 ballet Mayerling. Jeremy Isaacs, then general director of the Royal Opera House, announced his … [Read more...] about Exclusive photo from Royal Opera House archives to remember Kenneth MacMillan

Interview with The Royal Ballet’s Merle Park in 1979: Green Park, Hyde Park or Merle Park?

22 August 2017 by Gramilano 4 Comments

Merle Park in The Firebird   photo by Roy Round

Merle Park, the engine driver’s daughter from Rhodesia (modern Zimbabwe), ended up being one of The Royal Ballet’s brightest stars. She says that she first realised she’d become famous when she heard … [Read more...] about Interview with The Royal Ballet’s Merle Park in 1979: Green Park, Hyde Park or Merle Park?

Ballet de Santiago’s Principal Dancer Luis Ortigoza gives his farewell performance

25 April 2016 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Dressed as Crown Prince Rudolf, after a performance of MacMillan's Mayerling, Ballet de Santiago's Principal Dancer Luis Ortigoza gave his last bows to the packed house at the Municipal Theatre. … [Read more...] about Ballet de Santiago’s Principal Dancer Luis Ortigoza gives his farewell performance

Genesia Rosato and Gary Avis on her retirement from The Royal Ballet

23 February 2016 by Gramilano 4 Comments

After 40 years with the Royal Ballet, Genesia Rosato is to retire. I've had a wonderful career and loved every minute of it! she said this afternoon. She’s had a lot to love. Genesia joined the … [Read more...] about Genesia Rosato and Gary Avis on her retirement from The Royal Ballet

Luis Ortigoza answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

15 July 2014 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Q&A When did you start dancing? When I was 5 years old. Why did you start dancing? I saw a ballet class and enjoyed watching it, so I said to my mother, "That's what I want to do!" Which … [Read more...] about Luis Ortigoza answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Mara Galeazzi by her Royal Ballet friends and colleagues

30 July 2013 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Mara Galeazzi & Edward Watson in MacMillan's Manon

Sarah Lamb, Marianela Nuñez, Gary Avis, Steven McRae, Thiago Soares and Edward Watson celebrate Mara Galeazzi As Royal Ballet dancers arrived in Verona to share the stage with Mara Galeazzi for the … [Read more...] about Mara Galeazzi by her Royal Ballet friends and colleagues

Greta Hodgkinson answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

17 April 2013 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Q&A When did you start dancing? At 4 years old. Why did you start dancing? As a child, I was always dancing around the house so it made sense. What’s your favourite role? Giselle. What role … [Read more...] about Greta Hodgkinson answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

  • 19.8K
    19.8K
  • 226.3K
    226.3K
  • 3.6K
    3.6K
  • 22.4K
    22.4K
  • 21.2K
    21.2K
  • 3.8K
    3.8K
Gramilano newsletter 2019

INTERVIEWS

Thea Musgrave

Interview with composer Thea Musgrave at 90: I am happy and fulfilled to be the composer and person I am now

Jennifer Check as the Governess in The Turn of the Screw, photo by Angela Gaul

On Site Opera presents Britten’s The Turn of the Screw at the stunning Wave Hill estate in the Bronx

Antonio Pappano in rehearsal for Fidelio, The Royal Opera © 2020 ROH. Photographed by Lara Cappelli.

[Interview] Antonio Pappano on adapting in strange times

Piazza della Scala, Milan

Dominique Meyer, CEO of La Scala, on the new streaming service, Russia, and audiences

João Menegussi and Calvin Royal III in Touché - photo Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy American Ballet Theatre

Touché! Les Étoiles gala features a homosexual pas de deux

Riccardo Muti © Todd Rosenberg Photography, by courtesy of riccardomutimusic.com

Riccardo Muti interview: life, death, and the lack of seriousness

Nureyevs The Sleeping Beauty La Scala 1966 theatre programme collection Carlo Orlandi

Nureyev on staging the “ballet of ballets” The Sleeping Beauty

Maria Callas at La Scala, Il turco in Italia with Franco Zeffirelli 1955

Franco Zeffirelli, at 96, on Anna Magnani and Maria Callas, his career, and old age

G-100x100

GRAMILANO

Graham Spicer, aka 'Gramilano', is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.

Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.

He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.

Since 2022, Gramilano has been pleased to welcome guest authors: Paul Arrowsmith, Donatella Bertozzi, Georgina Butler, Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel, Jonathan Gray, Marina Harss, Ann Haskins, Lily Hyde, Marta Mele, Matthew Paluch, Jann Parry, Lucía Piquero, Graham Watts, Deborah Weiss, and Lydia Wharf.

Copyright © 2026 · Gramilano · All rights reserved

about me · contact me · privacy and cookies