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Nicoletta Manni

Alexei Ratmansky’s new Coppélia opens La Scala’s Ballet Season (in streaming)

16 December 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

60 - Ratmansky's Coppélia - Finale - Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko. Photo by Brescia and Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2023

Alexei Ratmansky's new production of Coppélia will be broadcast abroad live on the Medici TV digital platform on 17 December, and on 28 December on Italian national television, Rai5 and RaiPlay. La … [Read more...] about Alexei Ratmansky’s new Coppélia opens La Scala’s Ballet Season (in streaming)

Happy 80th Birthday to Luciana Savignano (with video tribute)

30 November 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Luciana Savignano in La Luna by Maurice Béjart, photo by Lelli e Masotti 1993

Today, Luciana Savignano celebrates her 80th birthday. An étoile at La Scala, she was also a muse for several choreographers, including Maurice Béjart. “The body must be listened to, and if you are … [Read more...] about Happy 80th Birthday to Luciana Savignano (with video tribute)

LaScalaTv ‘live from Milan’ is now available on subscription

21 November 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

2021 Don Giovanni, photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

On sale from today are one-month or one-year subscriptions to access the content of the theatre's streaming platform from 1 January 2024. There are gift subscriptions available, discounts on annual … [Read more...] about LaScalaTv ‘live from Milan’ is now available on subscription

Nicoletta Manni is nominated Étoile at La Scala

9 November 2023 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Nicoletta Manni photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2023

Nicoletta Manni has been named the new Étoile of La Scala’s ballet company. The promotion was announced last night on stage by the Intendent and Artistic Director Dominique Meyer together with … [Read more...] about Nicoletta Manni is nominated Étoile at La Scala

[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

[Photo Album] London’s Ballet Icons Gala 2023

21 February 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko in Carmen, photo by Nicholas MacKay MACKAY PRODUCTIONS

Below is a selection of photos of the star-studded cast of Ballet Icons 2023, with Dasa Wharton's informal photos of the press call, without makeup, sometimes without costumes, and some informal … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] London’s Ballet Icons Gala 2023

[Review] Ballet Icons Gala – the starry evening returns to the London Coliseum

20 February 2023 by Matthew Paluch 8 Comments

Le Corsaire - Margarita Fernandes and Antonio Casalinho - photo by Dasa Wharton

Matthew Paluch sees the Ballet Icons Gala 2023 in London TitleBallet Icons GalaVenueLondon ColiseumDate19 February 2023ReviewerMatthew Paluch “Ballet Average Dancers” doesn't have quite the same … [Read more...] about [Review] Ballet Icons Gala – the starry evening returns to the London Coliseum

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

[Review] Manni and Andrijashenko lead a sparkling cast in Nureyev’s Nutcracker

6 January 2023 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Nutcracker-with-Nicoletta-Manni-and-Timofej-Andrijashenko.-Photo-by-Brescia-e-AmisanoTeatro-alla-Scala

Oh, what a difference a cast makes. While the perfectly competent cast reviewed here a couple of weeks ago in the revival of Rudolf Nureyev’s Nutcracker at La Scala was satisfying if lacklustre (some … [Read more...] about [Review] Manni and Andrijashenko lead a sparkling cast in Nureyev’s Nutcracker

[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

A refreshingly magical Giselle for a sweltering night in Milan

15 July 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

21 - Giselle - Nicoletta Manni, Timofej Andrijashenko, photo Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

Have you ever given yourself a big kick up the backside for lamenting about something that others would give their eyeteeth to do? Getting ready to see the opening night of Giselle at La Scala had … [Read more...] about A refreshingly magical Giselle for a sweltering night in Milan

[Photo album] Giselle – La Scala with Nicoletta Manni, Timofej Andrijashenko, Jacopo Tissi

14 July 2022 by Gramilano 2 Comments

02 - Giselle - Nicoletta Manni and Jacopo Tissi, photo Brescia and Amisano © Teatro alla Scala 2022

La Scala brought Giselle - its calling-card ballet - back to Milan (after a recent tour to Bologna) with an excellent cast featuring Nicoletta Manni as Giselle and Timofej Andrijashenko as Albrecht. … [Read more...] about [Photo album] Giselle – La Scala with Nicoletta Manni, Timofej Andrijashenko, Jacopo Tissi

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

Dancing Times, May 2022 issue

1 May 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

LES ÉTOILES 2022 - Sergio Bernal and Calvin Royal III in Touché © Graham Spicer - 2947

In the May issue of Dancing Times, I write in the Danza in Italia column about the Rome performance of Touché, a lockdown creation for American Ballet Theatre by Christopher Rudd. The European … [Read more...] about Dancing Times, May 2022 issue

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

Extraordinary dancers will dance for Ukraine in Naples and Milan

26 March 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Ballet for Peace

Some of the dance names that have been making headlines recently will dance for Ukraine in two upcoming galas in Italy: Olga Smirnova, Victor Caixeta, Jacopo Tissi, Iana Salenko, Anastasia Matvienko … [Read more...] about Extraordinary dancers will dance for Ukraine in Naples and Milan

[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

[Review] La Scala’s Bayadère was a race against time

30 December 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

32 - La bayadère - Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko and corps de ballet, photo by Brescia and Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

A new production of La Bayadère opened at La Scala a week later than planned after a Covid outbreak forced cancellations of the first performances. The television cameras waited patiently for the … [Read more...] about [Review] La Scala’s Bayadère was a race against time

La Scala cancels all performances of La Bayadère

29 December 2021 by Gramilano 2 Comments

05 - La bayadère - Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko, photo by Brescia and Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

After delays of the first night of the new production of La Bayadère at La Scala, and the recording on 21 December after a preview performance for young people the previous day, the theatre has now … [Read more...] about La Scala cancels all performances of La Bayadère

[Photo album] First look at La Scala’s new Bayadère

19 December 2021 by Gramilano 6 Comments

34 - La bayadère - Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko and corps de ballet, photo by Brescia and Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

After Covid infections forced the premiere and subsequent performances to be cancelled, Monday 21 December will finally see the opening night of La Scala's new production of Rudolf Nureyev's La … [Read more...] about [Photo album] First look at La Scala’s new Bayadère

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

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

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Gramilano newsletter 2019

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Roberto Bolle interview: Who I am now

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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.

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