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Royal Opera House

UK government’s £250 million for arts organisations

12 October 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

ROH-Auditorium-©-ROH-Dominic-Klimowski-2011

A £250 million ‘bailout’ fund will save “1,385 theatres, galleries, performance groups, arts organisations, museums and local venues facing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and ensure they … [Read more...] about UK government’s £250 million for arts organisations

The new Royal Opera House Pocket Photobook

24 September 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Royal Opera House is one of the world’s leading performing arts venues, so there is naturally much interest in the production of the performances. The new Pocket Photo Book from Thames & … [Read more...] about The new Royal Opera House Pocket Photobook

Royal Opera House opens its doors for the first time in six months

4 September 2020 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Royal Opera House, new exterior ©2018 ROH. Photograph by Luke Hayes (1)

After six months of closure, the Royal Opera House will be opening its doors to the public as part of Open House London weekend, giving visitors a taste of one of the world’s most famous theatres for … [Read more...] about Royal Opera House opens its doors for the first time in six months

Royal Opera House announces its first live performances since lockdown

4 June 2020 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Royal Opera House, new exterior ©2018 ROH. Photograph by Luke Hayes (1)

The Royal Opera House has announced its 'Live from Covent Garden' project: a series of three unique performances to be broadcast live via YouTube and Facebook from Covent Garden. The first concert, … [Read more...] about Royal Opera House announces its first live performances since lockdown

Conductor Nello Santi – who conducted 401 performances at The Met – has died at 88

7 February 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Santi Nello crop

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 … [Read more...] about Conductor Nello Santi – who conducted 401 performances at The Met – has died at 88

Vittorio Grigolo: I couldn’t apologise. I was sent home like a killer.

27 September 2019 by Gramilano 9 Comments

Vittorio Grigòlo from Instagram

December 2019 UPDATE: Colleagues support Vittorio Grigolo as he replies to being fired by the Royal Opera House and the Met In a video to his fans, Vittorio Grigolo has put forward his version of the … [Read more...] about Vittorio Grigolo: I couldn’t apologise. I was sent home like a killer.

Vittorio Grigolo suspended from Royal Opera tour in Japan for allegedly “groping another singer onstage”

24 September 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Faust, part of The Royal Opera's 2019 Japan tour ©2019 ROHm photo by Tristram Kenton

  A most extraordinary story is arriving from Japan where The Royal Opera is currently on tour. Tenor Vittorio Grigolo was substituted for the final performance of the opera Faust after being … [Read more...] about Vittorio Grigolo suspended from Royal Opera tour in Japan for allegedly “groping another singer onstage”

Woolf Works at La Scala – McGregor, Richter, Ferri and Bonelli talk about making the ballet

1 April 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Woolf Works with Alessandra Ferri and Federico Bonelli © ROH, 2015 Tristram Kenton

Wayne McGregor We're so excited to bring Woolf Works to La Scala. It’s an amazing historic stage and the work is going to be fantastic in this theatre. The company is incredible and we've been really … [Read more...] about Woolf Works at La Scala – McGregor, Richter, Ferri and Bonelli talk about making the ballet

Photo Album: La Bayadère with The Royal Ballet – first night with Nuñez, Osipova and Muntagirov

1 November 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

La Bayadère. Marianela Nuñez as Nikiya. ©ROH, 2018. Photographed by Bill Cooper. (2)

Here are the first photos from the dress rehearsal of tonight's opening cast at The Royal Opera House of Natalia Makarova's La Bayadère. Solor is danced by Vadim Muntagirov, Gamzatti by Natalia … [Read more...] about Photo Album: La Bayadère with The Royal Ballet – first night with Nuñez, Osipova and Muntagirov

Faces: Three dance portraits – Acosta, Cojocaru, Yanowsky by Kim Brandstrup

13 September 2018 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Zenaida Yanowsky

Choreographer and filmmaker Kim Brandstrup’s latest film project is to be shown in the newly refurbished Linbury Theatre as part of Open House London on 22 and 23 September. Brandstrup’s latest … [Read more...] about Faces: Three dance portraits – Acosta, Cojocaru, Yanowsky by Kim Brandstrup

Preview: Nureyev the film is a glorious celebration of an exceptional life

12 September 2018 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Nureyev the film 7

Nureyev is an important new documentary about Rudolf Nureyev’s extraordinary life which will be shown in cinemas around the UK from 25 September. BAFTA nominated directors Jacqui and David Morris … [Read more...] about Preview: Nureyev the film is a glorious celebration of an exceptional life

Daniela Barcellona collects Olivier Awards for Semiramide

9 April 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Daniela Barcellona at the Olivier Awards 2018

Daniela Barcellona and Joyce DiDonato have won Olivier Awards for Best Achievement in Opera for their roles in The Royal Opera House's production of Semiramide. Semiramide was also the winner of Best … [Read more...] about Daniela Barcellona collects Olivier Awards for Semiramide

Raina Kabaivanska recounts career secrets including La Scala’s fur coat and Pavarotti’s kiss

6 November 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Raina Kabaivanska and Carla Fracci

Latest in a collaboration between Italy’s L’Opera magazine and La Scala to celebrate the careers of singers – both living and deceased – was Saturday’s encounter with the great Bulgarian soprano Raina … [Read more...] about Raina Kabaivanska recounts career secrets including La Scala’s fur coat and Pavarotti’s kiss

#OperaPassion from the BBC with a live streaming day, events on TV and radio, and the V&A’s “Opera: Passion, Power and Politics”

21 September 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

OperaPassion

Tony Hall, currently the Director-General of the BBC but previously the Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House from 2001 until 2013, is bringing his opera experience to broadcasting in a bold new … [Read more...] about #OperaPassion from the BBC with a live streaming day, events on TV and radio, and the V&A’s “Opera: Passion, Power and Politics”

Zenaida Yanowsky’s final curtain call

8 June 2017 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Zenaida Yanowsky's Final Curtain Call with Roberto Bolle © ROH 2017. Photo by Alastair Muir (3)

After 23 years with The Royal Ballet, last night Zenaida Yanowsky gave her final curtain call on the Covent Garden stage. Her final performance at the Royal Opera House was in Marguerite and Armand … [Read more...] about Zenaida Yanowsky’s final curtain call

Photo album of tonight’s Royal Ballet programme with Zenaida Yanowsky and Roberto Bolle as Marguerite and Armand

2 June 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Zenaida Yanowsky as Marguerite and Roberto Bolle as Armand. ©ROH, 2017. Photographed by Tristram Kenton

In a few minutes, the curtain goes up at The Royal Opera house of a mixed programme of Frederick Ashton gems. It is a special evening because this will be the last role that Zenaida Yanowsky dances on … [Read more...] about Photo album of tonight’s Royal Ballet programme with Zenaida Yanowsky and Roberto Bolle as Marguerite and Armand

La Scala, Milan: Opera and Recital Season 2017 – 2018

31 May 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Riccardo Chailly, photo by Brescia e Amisano, 2017

A pleasing new season at La Scala seems to tick all the right boxes, with half the programming dedicated to the Italian repertoire, some rarities, important international operas and a world premiere. … [Read more...] about La Scala, Milan: Opera and Recital Season 2017 – 2018

Photo album: Opening night at The Royal Ballet includes premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Symphonic Dances

19 May 2017 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Symphonic Dances - Nicol Edmonds, Tristan Dyer © ROH 2017, photograph by Bill Cooper

The latest mixed-programme from The Royal Ballet was unveiled last night and will run until the end of this month. "Virtuoso dance from The Royal Ballet in a programme that includes Forsythe and … [Read more...] about Photo album: Opening night at The Royal Ballet includes premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Symphonic Dances

Sergei Polunin returns to dance with Natalia Osipova at The Royal Ballet

11 April 2017 by Gramilano 17 Comments

Tamara Rojo and Sergei Polunin in Marguerite and Armand, photo by Bill Cooper ROH

Former Royal Ballet Principal Sergei Polunin will partner Natalia Osipova in June, when he returns to dance in Frederick Ashton’s Marguerite and Armand. Other casting sees another former Royal Ballet … [Read more...] about Sergei Polunin returns to dance with Natalia Osipova at The Royal Ballet

In conversation with Luca Pisaroni: back to Milan with his La Scala debut

21 October 2016 by Gramilano 8 Comments

Luca Pisaroni as Leporello in Don Giovanni at Glyndebourne   photo by Bill Cooper

Italian bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni will make his house debut at La Scala in 2017 as Leporello. It will be only the second opera he has sung in Italy. The performances of Don Giovanni are just before … [Read more...] about In conversation with Luca Pisaroni: back to Milan with his La Scala debut

Interview with composer Errollyn Wallen – exploring roads less travelled

13 March 2016 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Here’s the opening of Errollyn Wallen’s official biography: Born in Belize, Errollyn Wallen gave up her training at the Dance Theater of Harlem, New York to study composition at the universities of … [Read more...] about Interview with composer Errollyn Wallen – exploring roads less travelled

The Royal Ballet’s new star-crossed lovers: Yasmine Naghdi and Matthew Ball

2 October 2015 by Gramilano 5 Comments

  Yasmine Naghdi and Matthew Ball are about to make a joint début as the young lovers in Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet. It is part of the current run at the Royal Opera House to mark … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet’s new star-crossed lovers: Yasmine Naghdi and Matthew Ball

Yasmine Naghdi – the birth of a ballerina

29 September 2015 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Yasmine Naghdi was born on 25 March 1992 in London. Everyone I meet says, 'Where are you from?', and I say, 'I’m from London', and they say, 'No, where are you really from?'. Well, she has an exotic … [Read more...] about Yasmine Naghdi – the birth of a ballerina

The Royal Opera House’s £27m ‘open up’ project to go ahead

21 March 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The £27m scheme to ‘open up’ the Royal Opera House in London has been given the go ahead by Westminster City Council. The plans will make the entrances and street-level public spaces of the Opera … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera House’s £27m ‘open up’ project to go ahead

En Avant’s next ballet projects include a special encounter with Marcelo Gomes

13 March 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The En Avant Foundation will present specialised coaching master classes for advanced pre-professional and professional dancers in San Francisco and in New York in April 2015. The Foundation's … [Read more...] about En Avant’s next ballet projects include a special encounter with Marcelo Gomes

@teatroallascala – the world’s most famous theatre goes digital

23 February 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Social media is revolutionising how theatres and their artists communicate with audiences and fans. Teatro alla Scala, which has an august, though often severe, reputation is, surprisingly, emerging … [Read more...] about @teatroallascala – the world’s most famous theatre goes digital

Royal Ballet Onegin casting 2015: débuts for Osipova, Golding and Muntagirov

6 January 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

John Cranko's masterpiece, Onegin, returns to the Royal Opera House at the end of this month. Created for the Stuttgart Ballet in 1965, the Royal Ballet first performed this production in 2001 and … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet Onegin casting 2015: débuts for Osipova, Golding and Muntagirov

The Royal Ballet celebrates founding choreographer Frederick Ashton

10 October 2014 by Gramilano 3 Comments

From 18 October until 12 November The Royal Ballet will present a glorious mixed programme of four of Frederick Ashton’s finest ballets, celebrating not only his vast and impressive body of work but … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet celebrates founding choreographer Frederick Ashton

Damian Lewis participates in Deloitte Ignite at the Royal Opera House

4 September 2014 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Actors Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory will feature in the opening weekend of the Royal Opera House’s annual contemporary arts festival Deloitte Ignite which starts tomorrow, appearing in a pair of … [Read more...] about Damian Lewis participates in Deloitte Ignite at the Royal Opera House

Opera snobs won’t stop us going back to La Bohème

14 July 2014 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

By Peter Franklin, University of Oxford The Royal Opera House’s restaging of La Bohème will get the same responses as any other production of the Puccini opera. The savvy enthusiast hedges … [Read more...] about Opera snobs won’t stop us going back to La Bohème

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NEWS

Empire State Building to be lit in honour of New York City Ballet’s 75th Anniversary

Royal Academy of Dance acquires Dancing Times photographic archive

[Review] Eun-Me Ahn’s ‘Dragons – “Like a large plate of tasteless food”

A final bow for Russell Janzen: From Danseur Noble to creating Contemporary Ballet

World premiere of film of Kenneth MacMillan’s Sea of Troubles

Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands embarks on six-month UK tour

The Royal Ballet celebrates Bronislava Nijinska in free livestream

Phoenix Dance Theatre appoints Marcus Jarrell Willis as new artistic director

Prison cancels opera about violent gangster and gay composer Ivor Novello

Scottish Ballet’s Twice-Born double bill in rehearsal

FEATURED POSTS

Francesco Gabriele Frola. Photo By Karolina Kuras, 2016 01

Meet Francesco Gabriele Frola — National Ballet of Canada and English National Ballet’s new Principal Dancer

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Dance injuries from the ballet dancer’s point of view: top stars share their experiences

Romeo and Juliet with Sergei Polunin

Sergei Polunin on sex change, his new girlfriend, and manning up

Coppélia with Vadim Muntagirov and Marianela Nunez, photo by Bill Cooper ROH

Interview: The Royal Ballet’s Ballet Master, Christopher Carr, on mounting Coppélia, the company’s dancers and technique

Joyce DiDonato answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition

Vadim Muntagirov answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

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The Royal Ballet’s Steven McRae on injury: turning weakness into strength

Luca Pisaroni as Leporello in Don Giovanni at Glyndebourne   photo by Bill Cooper

In conversation with Luca Pisaroni: back to Milan with his La Scala debut

Grand Pas Classique at English National Ballet, photo by Laurent Liotardo

Introducing 19-year-old Canadian dancer Shale Wagman: from Lausanne to ENB to the Mariinsky

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In conversation with Jakub Józef Orliński

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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