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Nicola Del Freo

[Review] Romeo and Juliet at La Scala with Alice Mariani and Nicola Del Freo

16 July 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Romeo and Juliet - Alice Mariani and NIcola Del Freo, photo by Brescia and Amisano, Teatro alla Scala crop

“We didn't need dialogue. We had faces,” said Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. One of the striking aspects of the final cast to be seen during the run of Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet at La … [Read more...] about [Review] Romeo and Juliet at La Scala with Alice Mariani and Nicola Del Freo

[Review] The second annual Gala Fracci at La Scala

20 June 2023 by Gramilano 1 Comment

08 - LE SPECTRE DE LA ROSE Letizia Masini, Jacopo Tissi, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

[Photo Album of Gala Fracci below] In 2021, the director of the La Scala ballet company, Manuel Legris, had the idea to invite Carla Fracci to give a short masterclass during preparations for … [Read more...] about [Review] The second annual Gala Fracci at La Scala

The second edition of the Carla Fracci gala arrives at La Scala

28 May 2023 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Carla Fracci at La Scala, Lelli e Masotti 1984, Teatro alla Scala

After the resounding success of the first edition of Gala Fracci – a tribute by La Scala to Carla Fracci – now, two years after her death (she died on 27 May 2021) comes the second edition of what … [Read more...] about The second edition of the Carla Fracci gala arrives at La Scala

[Review] Blake Works V – William Forsythe’s sensational evening of dance at La Scala

22 May 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

08 - Blake Works I - photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

[Go to Photo Album] Blake Works V is the fifth programme that William Forsythe has built on the music of the English musician James Blake. Blake Works I was a piece created for the Paris Opera … [Read more...] about [Review] Blake Works V – William Forsythe’s sensational evening of dance at La Scala

LaScalaTv, La Scala’s new streaming platform, is now live

15 February 2023 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Madina - Roberto Bolle, Antonella Albano and the corps de ballet, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

Yesterday was the first live stream from LaScalaTv (of I Vespri siciliani with a superb cast) and other operas, ballets, concerts and recitals will follow. La Scala has been building up a catalogue … [Read more...] about LaScalaTv, La Scala’s new streaming platform, is now live

[Photo album] Sneak peek at tonight’s return of Nureyev’s Nutcracker in Milan

17 December 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

39 - Nutcracker with Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko. Photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

Tonight, La Scala Ballet’s season kicks off with the return of Rudolf Nureyev’s Nutcracker, last performed in the theatre in 2006. The following photo album was of tonight’s opening cast at a … [Read more...] about [Photo album] Sneak peek at tonight’s return of Nureyev’s Nutcracker in Milan

[Review] An avalanche of debuts in Onegin at La Scala

1 October 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

10 ONEGIN Alice Mariani Gabriele Corrado photo by Brescia e Amisano Teatro alla Scala

TitleOneginCompanyLa Scala BalletVenueTeatro alla Scala, MilanDate22 and 26 September 2022ReviewerGraham Spicer Photos with Nicola Del Freo and Vittoria Valerio are featured in an album … [Read more...] about [Review] An avalanche of debuts in Onegin at La Scala

[Review] Nuñez and Bolle give powerful performances in Onegin at La Scala

17 September 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Onegin - Roberto Bolle, Marianela Nunez. photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala-02

An odd mixture of emotions came over me entering the stalls at La Scala to see Onegin. On the ballet’s previous outing, three years ago, I attended a performance with Carla Fracci. We’d walked from … [Read more...] about [Review] Nuñez and Bolle give powerful performances in Onegin at La Scala

[Photo Album] Onegin at La Scala with Roberto Bolle and Marianela Nuñez

14 September 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Onegin in rehearsal - Martina Arduino e Timofej Andrijashenko , photo by Brescia e Amisano (c) Teatro alla Scala (3)

Onegin returns to La Scala this evening, Wednesday 14 September, with Roberto Bolle in the title role, Marianela Nuñez as Tatiana, Nicola Del Freo as Lensky, Martina Arduino as Olga and Gabriele … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] Onegin at La Scala with Roberto Bolle and Marianela Nuñez

Wayne McGregor fascinates with his new double-bill at La Scala: AfteRite + LORE

11 July 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

19 - AfteRite - Alessandra Ferri, photo Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

Though Wayne McGregor’s choreography sometimes seems to ‘go against’ the music, it provokes fascinating revelations and is, however, always extremely musical. In his 2014 work Kairos, to Max Richter’s … [Read more...] about Wayne McGregor fascinates with his new double-bill at La Scala: AfteRite + LORE

[Photo Album] Wayne McGregor new work at La Scala: AfteRite + LORE

25 June 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

09 - LORE - Agnese Di Clemente, Timofej Andrijahenko Claudio Coviello, photo Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

Yesterday, 24 June 2022, was the world premiere of a Wayne McGregor work entitled LORE (to the music of Igor Stravinsky's Les Noces), arriving as a 'sequel' to his work AfteRite (to Stravinsky's Le … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] Wayne McGregor new work at La Scala: AfteRite + LORE

Fracci Gala: La Scala celebrates Carla Fracci

13 April 2022 by Gramilano 2 Comments

GALA FRACCI - Giselle - photo by Brescia e Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

How to celebrate a great dancer on stage? How to evoke memories of their artistry without creating a parody of their talent? Certainly, with Carla Fracci and the American Ballet Theatre video of … [Read more...] about Fracci Gala: La Scala celebrates Carla Fracci

[Review] Balanchine’s Jewels at La Scala shows the company in top-notch form

30 March 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

21 - Emeralds by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust photo Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

The revival of George Balanchine’s Jewels at La Scala showed the company in top-notch form, finally shedding off the insecurities arising from cancelled premieres, last minutes Covid-related cast … [Read more...] about [Review] Balanchine’s Jewels at La Scala shows the company in top-notch form

[Photo Album] First peek at Balanchine’s Jewels which opens tonight at La Scala

11 March 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

16 - Emeralds by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust photo Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala - Alice Mariani Marco Agostino

After eight years, George Balanchine’s Jewels returns to La Scala and runs from 11 to 24 March 2022. Balanchine was inspired by the artistry of jewellery designer Claude Arpels and chose music … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] First peek at Balanchine’s Jewels which opens tonight at La Scala

Countdown to Bayadère – casting and designs for La Scala’s opening

19 November 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Costume design by Luisa Spinatelli (1)

La Bayadère, one of the key ballets in the classical repertoire, premiered in St Petersburg in 1877. Marius Petipa created a perfect harmony between mass scenes and protagonists, and it was the … [Read more...] about Countdown to Bayadère – casting and designs for La Scala’s opening

La Scala’s enthralling Contemporary Evening is a triumph

12 July 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

BIRDS WALKING ON WATER - Mick Zeni and company, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala (7)

The Contemporary Evening was a triumph, with seven works: a contemporary ‘classic’, some lesser-known pieces, and a new creation. La Scala is finding it difficult to attract audiences back to the … [Read more...] about La Scala’s enthralling Contemporary Evening is a triumph

[Photos and review] La Scala celebrates with its Four Choreographers Evening

10 June 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

CONCERTO DSCH, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala (8)

Wednesday 9 June was something of a celebration at La Scala with its ballet company returning to perform before a live audience. The current regulations only allow for 500 spectators but being that … [Read more...] about [Photos and review] La Scala celebrates with its Four Choreographers Evening

Ballet Gala from La Scala: Evening of Great Choreographers

2 May 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Paquita - photo by Andrea Tamoni © Teatro alla Scala

The latest gala from La Scala as part of its programming for online streaming videos, and recorded without an audience present in the theatre, is Serata Grandi Coreografi (Evening of Great … [Read more...] about Ballet Gala from La Scala: Evening of Great Choreographers

[Photo Album] La Scala’s ballet company in docuseries and World Dance Day

28 April 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Teatro alla Scala - photo by Sara Busiol 25

Thursday 29 April at 19.00 CET - World Dance Day La Scala will broadcast a complete class with its corps de ballet on World Dance Day, 29 April. Ballet Director Manuel Legris chose to pre-record … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] La Scala’s ballet company in docuseries and World Dance Day

Virna Toppi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

6 April 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Virna Toppi as Kitri, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

Q&A When did you start dancing?Immediately, as soon as I could stand. Why did you start dancing?Because I liked to feel at one with the music. Which dancer inspired you most as a child?No … [Read more...] about Virna Toppi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

A Covid-free La Scala to stream its gala ‘A Tribute to Nureyev’

22 March 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Raymonda - Virna Toppi, Nicola Del Freo e il Corpo di Ballo, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala-02

The A Tribute to Nureyev gala from La Scala, was due to be streamed on 28 February, but the recording was cancelled two hours before curtain-up when a weak positive case of Covid-19 was found in one … [Read more...] about A Covid-free La Scala to stream its gala ‘A Tribute to Nureyev’

Tribute to Nureyev – free ballet gala streaming from La Scala

25 February 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Lo schiaccianoci 1979/1980

A strong thread ties Rudolf Nureyev to La Scala, where he was acclaimed not only as a dancer but also as a choreographer. Nureyev has equally strong ties to La Scala Ballet's new director, Manuel … [Read more...] about Tribute to Nureyev – free ballet gala streaming from La Scala

Giselle: free streamed performance from La Scala with two casts

30 January 2021 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Giselle, Act Two, photo Brescia e Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

Giselle will be streamed from La Scala this evening, Saturday 30 January, at 20.00 CET. The ballet was filmed over two days, without an audience, and will be offered to viewers worldwide via the state … [Read more...] about Giselle: free streamed performance from La Scala with two casts

Carla Fracci and Manuel Legris’ Giselle masterclass from La Scala online

20 January 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Carla Fracci 1964 Giselle photo Erio Piccagliani crop

La Scala will stream a new recording of Giselle on 30 January. There will be two casts in the principal roles, including a debut, with eight of the company’s principal dancers and soloists in Yvette … [Read more...] about Carla Fracci and Manuel Legris’ Giselle masterclass from La Scala online

December’s Dancing Times features Manuel Legris, Eleonora Abbagnato, and other delights

29 November 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Manuel Legris - Dancing Times, December 2020

The latest issue of Dancing Times is now on sale. The December 2020 issue ends the year when the magazine celebrated its 110th anniversary, and even with the cancellation of so many shows the world … [Read more...] about December’s Dancing Times features Manuel Legris, Eleonora Abbagnato, and other delights

La Scala welcomes back its stars – season opening 7 December

25 November 2020 by Gramilano 7 Comments

La Scala 7 December 2020

Despite coronavirus restrictions, La Scala will celebrate the opening of its season 2020-2021 – however long or short it may be – on 7 December, the feast of Saint Ambrose, Milan’s saint’s day. The … [Read more...] about La Scala welcomes back its stars – season opening 7 December

[Review and Photos] La Scala Ballet Gala sees dance return to its stage, with Ferri, Bonelli, Zakharova and Bolle

3 October 2020 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Ballet Gala - Le Parc - Alessandra Ferri Federico Bonelli, photo by Brescia e Amisano Teatro alla Scala

On 23 September, La Scala opened its doors for dance for the first time since February. It was a gala which had four showings, the last being yesterday. Social distancing in the auditorium was … [Read more...] about [Review and Photos] La Scala Ballet Gala sees dance return to its stage, with Ferri, Bonelli, Zakharova and Bolle

Dancing Times, May Edition with the Danza in Italia column

7 May 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Danza in Italia, May 2020 spread

Life is challenging, but Dancing Times soldiers on, as it has done for 110 years, more than any other dance publication. In all that time, even during world wars, it has never missed publishing an … [Read more...] about Dancing Times, May Edition with the Danza in Italia column

Review: Enthralling programme of 5 works by Hans van Manen and Roland Petit at La Scala

24 February 2020 by Gramilano 2 Comments

07 Le combat des anges Claudio Coviello, Marco Agostino, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

An unusual mixed bill at La Scala showcased the works of two choreographers: Hans van Manen and Roland Petit. Two of the van Manen pieces were new to the company, though his Adagio Hammerklavier, … [Read more...] about Review: Enthralling programme of 5 works by Hans van Manen and Roland Petit at La Scala

Photo Album: Rehearsal photos of La Scala’s new mixed bill with Roberto Bolle, Manni, Coviello, Arduino and company

17 January 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Le Jeune homme et la Mort with Roberto Bolle and Nicoletta Manni, photo by Brescia e Amisano Teatro alla Scala (10)

Serata van Manen – Petit, (Van Manen and Petit Evening) opens at La Scala on 23 January. The evening consists of five gems from Hans van Manen and Roland Petit. The three van Manen pieces are Adagio … [Read more...] about Photo Album: Rehearsal photos of La Scala’s new mixed bill with Roberto Bolle, Manni, Coviello, Arduino and company

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GRAMILANO

Graham Spicer is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan, aka ‘Gramilano’. 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. He wrote the ‘Danza in Italia’ column for Dancing Times magazine.

Since 2022, Gramilano is pleased to welcome guest authors: Alisa Alekseeva, Paul Arrowsmith, Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel, Jonathan Gray, Marina Harss, Matthew Paluch, Jann Parry, Graham Watts, and Deborah Weiss.

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