Twenty-five years ago, Gramilano met a young Peruvian tenor in Milan. He was on his way to sing a small role in 'Ricciardo e Zoraide' at the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro and was bright-eyed with … [Read more...] about Juan Diego Flórez interview: my 25 years with Rossini
Rossini Opera Festival
Italian festivals of music and dance march onward with creative initiatives and Green Passes
The Italian festivals of music and dance are back. Last year most were saved in extremis during the summer lockdown lull, but this year there was time to come up with some more suitable, creative … [Read more...] about Italian festivals of music and dance march onward with creative initiatives and Green Passes
Italy mourns the death of opera director Graham Vick at 67
Italy mourns the loss of the opera director Graham Vick who died today at 67 of Covid-related complications. Vick worked extensively in Italy and the Teatro Fenice in Venice, the Macerata Opera … [Read more...] about Italy mourns the death of opera director Graham Vick at 67
Paolo Bordogna answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… singers’ edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? On the staircase of my apartment building, there was an echo that added force to my voice; I listened to it as though it were my voice. It was … [Read more...] about Paolo Bordogna answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… singers’ edition
The great basso buffo, Enzo Dara, dies at 78
Enzo Dara, who would have been 79 in October, has died in Mantua, his home town. The exemplary Italian basso buffo died at 6pm yesterday afternoon in the town where he was born on 13 October … [Read more...] about The great basso buffo, Enzo Dara, dies at 78
Great musicologist Philip Gossett remembered by his colleagues and friends
Philip Gossett called himself “a fan, a musician and a scholar,” in that order. The great music scholar, who died yesterday in Chicago at the age of 75, saw himself first and foremost as a fan. It … [Read more...] about Great musicologist Philip Gossett remembered by his colleagues and friends
Teatro Comunale di Bologna pulls its orchestra and chorus from Rossini Opera Festival
Rossini Opera Festival The Rossini Opera Festival and the Teatro Comunale di Bologna have announced their separation after 30 years. Starting with a Petite Messe Solennelle in 1987, Bologna has … [Read more...] about Teatro Comunale di Bologna pulls its orchestra and chorus from Rossini Opera Festival
Nicola Alaimo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start singing? I started singing when I was very young, but seriously in 1996, together with literature and music. I was a 17-year-old full of hopes and … [Read more...] about Nicola Alaimo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Chris Merritt’s brave plea for help
Chris Merritt has written a heartfelt plea for financial aid on gofundme.com - he is asking fans and friends to help kick-start his career. Dear Ones, near and far.....I am turning to this … [Read more...] about Chris Merritt’s brave plea for help
Luca Ronconi, Italian director of theatre and opera, dies at 81
Italian director Luca Ronconi died yesterday evening in the Policlinico in Milan after a short illness. His health had been poor over the last years, he was on dialysis, and was complicated by … [Read more...] about Luca Ronconi, Italian director of theatre and opera, dies at 81
Stream Opera brings popular and rare delights to your PC
If you haven't heard of StreamOpera - and you're interested in opera - then visit their site to enrich your Christmas hols, as it is full of exciting and unusual titles which can be streamed to your … [Read more...] about Stream Opera brings popular and rare delights to your PC
Juan Diego Flórez on his future, his family, his colleagues, and the economic crisis
To coincide with his Pesaro appearances this year, Juan Diego Flórez talked with Italy's Il Corriere della Sera. It was at Pesaro's Rossini Opera Festival in 1996 that the young Peruvian suddenly … [Read more...] about Juan Diego Flórez on his future, his family, his colleagues, and the economic crisis
Juan Diego Florez talks about his fairy-tale wedding, his fans, and being lazy
On the eve of Juan Diego Florez's Albert Hall concert, The Sunday Times sent a journalist to his home in Pesaro. This beautiful town on Italy's east coast - home to the Rossini Opera Festival, and … [Read more...] about Juan Diego Florez talks about his fairy-tale wedding, his fans, and being lazy
Daniela Barcellona sings Scarlatti
The beautiful and technically demanding arias by Scarlatti constitute, surprisingly, the first recital disc by Italian mezzo Daniela Barcellona. If the record companies don't offer you a contract when … [Read more...] about Daniela Barcellona sings Scarlatti
Scholar Philip Gossett disagrees with the Met’s musical decisions
As I write the audience at the Metropolitan Opera's first production of Rossini's Le Comte Ory are leaving their seats during the first interval. So far it has been warmly received, but a … [Read more...] about Scholar Philip Gossett disagrees with the Met’s musical decisions
Even Florez is fallible: “a resonant expostulation of “Oh, shit” from the performer”
Juan Diego Florez has been used to glowing reviews since his début at the Rossini Opera Festival. Recently he has started receiving some sterner criticism, and reactions to his latest recital in … [Read more...] about Even Florez is fallible: “a resonant expostulation of “Oh, shit” from the performer”
