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 Kabaivanska, still statuesque and glamourous at 82.Interspersed with audio and video clips of some of her celebrated roles, were well-aimed questions from the extremely … [Read more...] about Raina Kabaivanska recounts career secrets including La Scala’s fur coat and Pavarotti’s kiss
Royal Opera
The Royal Opera and Ballet in Cinema 2015-2016
Romeo and Juliet, 22 September at 7.15pm The Royal Ballet By Kenneth MacMillan Music: Sergey ProkofievLe nozze di Figaro, 5 October at 6.45pm The Royal Opera Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Dir: David McVicar Cond: Ivor Bolton Cast includes Erwin Schrott and Anita HartigViscera / Afternoon of a Faun / Tchaikovsky pas de deux / Carmen, 12 November at 7.15pm The Royal … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera and Ballet in Cinema 2015-2016
Relief among arts organizations as UK arts cuts are less than expected
The UK chancellor, George Osborne, has unveiled his 7% spending cut in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which is part of the Spending Review. The Arts Council will share less of the burden however, with a 5% reduction during 2015/16.Acting chief at the Royal Opera House, Sally O'Neill, said, I am encouraged that the government has listened to our concerns and … [Read more...] about Relief among arts organizations as UK arts cuts are less than expected
Olivier Award 2013 nominations announced: dance and opera
While it's great to see 87-year-old working choreographer Gillian Lynne get a special award, there is Marianela Núñez in the running for Outstanding Achievement in Dance, a nomination richly deserved by the Royal Ballet's most radiant and thrilling ballerina. Another welcome name for dance is designer Lez Brotherston who has collaborated with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures … [Read more...] about Olivier Award 2013 nominations announced: dance and opera
Gary Avis answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start dancing? My first steps were taken in the summer of 1981, at the tender age of 11. My starting point was Disco Dancing lessons at Tom & Pat Lait's Ballroom classes, and then in 1982 I started ballet/modern lessons with my local ballet teacher at the Linda Shipton School of Dancing.Why did you start dancing? I was sent to Disco Dancing … [Read more...] about Gary Avis answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Rosalind Plowright answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&AWhen did you start singing? Age 12. I had always sung before but only found my true voice at this age. My father was a bass player and had been playing in the orchestra for a performance of The Mikado. Whilst travelling back home I imitated the voice of Katisha and out came this big plummy rich sound... My father nearly drove off the road!Why did you start … [Read more...] about Rosalind Plowright answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Great Russian soprano Galina Vishnevskaya dies at 86
Russian opera legend Galina Vishnevskaya has died today, December 11, at the age of 86.Vishnevskaya was born in St Petersberg (Leningrad) 25 October 1926, and cast out by her parents at six weeks. She was raised in absolute poverty by her grandmother. As a ten year old Galina was presented with a gramophone and an album of Eugene Onegin. This was her passport from the … [Read more...] about Great Russian soprano Galina Vishnevskaya dies at 86
Clive Barda exposes the artists of the Royal Opera House in new exhibition
“EXPOSURE!”, a 100 image retrospective of Clive Barda’s photographic career, toured major China performing arts venues during spring 2012. Now it returns to the UK.The exhibition consists of 100 prints drawn from throughout Clive Barda’s career, beginning with classic early black and white images of Jacqueline Du Pré and portraits of iconic figures in music and the … [Read more...] about Clive Barda exposes the artists of the Royal Opera House in new exhibition
Dionne Warwick & (what!) friends celebrate World Hunger Day in the Royal Albert Hall
Music icon Dionne Warwick returns to the Royal Albert Hall to lead an all-star lineup including Cliff Richard, Alexandra Burke, Boy George, Caro Emerald, Tony Hadley, Joe McElderry, Katie Melua, Mica Paris, Rumer and The London Community Gospel Choir. The gala is in aid of international development charity, The Hunger Project.In celebration of World Hunger Day 2012, and as … [Read more...] about Dionne Warwick & (what!) friends celebrate World Hunger Day in the Royal Albert Hall
Adam Cooper talks to the Sunday Times about ballet, Michael Jackson, Vaughan Williams and the Kirov
In today's Sunday Times, Adam Cooper - ex-Royal Ballet dancer, and currently tip-tapping in the West End - talked about the places where he and his elder brother, Simon, grew up. Until their teens they lived in a 'poky' flat in Tooting. The flat was much too small for two energetic boys with a musician father who had instruments, keyboards and sheet music everywhere. Music was … [Read more...] about Adam Cooper talks to the Sunday Times about ballet, Michael Jackson, Vaughan Williams and the Kirov