Gramilano happens to be a neighbour of Armando Ariostini, the baritone who works tirelessly for Casa Verdi, the retirement home for musicians, here in Milan. The coronavirus has kept us all in our homes, and Armando away from his beloved Casa Verdi, which is only a stone's throw away, but at this time it could just as well be in Sicily. To keep spirits up, Italians have been … [Read more...] about Opera singers against the coronavirus – how one singer is lifting spirits in Milan
Nabucco
Conductor Nello Santi – who conducted 401 performances at The Met – has died at 88
The conductor Nello Santi has died at 88. He last worked at La Scala in November 2017, when he was 86, conducting Nabucco. He was born in 1931 in Adria in the Veneto region. He was the director of Zurich Opera from 1958 to 1969. In 1960, Santi conducted the Wiener Philharmoniker for Don Carlo in Salzburg with Boris Christoff and Ettore Bastianini. At The Royal Opera House in … [Read more...] about Conductor Nello Santi – who conducted 401 performances at The Met – has died at 88
The play Quartet and the Giuseppe Verdi Rest Home, both in Milan
The Casa di Riposo per Musicisti (Rest Home for Musicians) in Milan is known simply as Casa Verdi (The Verdi Home) and, although Giuseppe Verdi never lived there, his body is buried there, together with that of his wife, Giuseppina Strepponi (the first Abigaille in the premiere of the composer’s Nabucco at La Scala in 1842). The performing rights of Verdi’s operas paid for the … [Read more...] about The play Quartet and the Giuseppe Verdi Rest Home, both in Milan
Gregory Reinhart answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start singing? As a child in Upstate New York, every Sunday I was taken to Mass. I loved hearing the songs in Latin, and hearing the choir. I wanted so badly to sing along, but was told by the organist I’d have to wait until my voice changed! At school I was definitely noticed at an early age, and encouraged. This year, my home town of Pavilion … [Read more...] about Gregory Reinhart answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Leo Nucci on the Rome Opera crisis: closure could be a good opportunity
I was born a labourer, before I was a singer I was a blacksmith and a mechanic. My father was a miner. I worked in the chorus. Obviously I understand the trade unions' side. But this is another story altogether. Leo Nucci is commenting on the continuous threats by the unions in Rome, resulting in performances by the Rome Opera at the Caracalla Baths going on without the … [Read more...] about Leo Nucci on the Rome Opera crisis: closure could be a good opportunity
Muti goes against doctors orders and conducts Nabucco in Rome
Last night, only a month after being fitted with a pacemaker and having facial sugery after a fall, Riccardo Muti went against the wishes of his Chicago doctors and conducted Nabucco at the Rome Opera. The performance is one of many celebrations during the next week to celebrate the unification of Italy 150 years ago. Maria Stefanelli, from the Teatro dell'Opera's press … [Read more...] about Muti goes against doctors orders and conducts Nabucco in Rome
Muti’s triumph with Rossini’s Moïse et Pharaon: and his first “encore” in 25 years
"Stay with us!" yelled an enthusiastic supporter during the applause at the opening of Moïse et Pharaon in Rome. Riccardo Muti has been toying with the idea of becoming the musical director of the Rome Opera for some months now, but has now clarified his position: I can't accept a post if I'm unable to guarantee my presence. To be the musical director of the Rome Opera would … [Read more...] about Muti’s triumph with Rossini’s Moïse et Pharaon: and his first “encore” in 25 years
