According to a report online in Paris Match, Benjamin Millepied is on the verge of leaving the Paris Opera Ballet. He took up the position as head of one of the world’s most celebrated ballet companies just over a year ago, saying that he would shake it up a little, bringing also a little Hollywood glamour with his actress wife, Natalie Portman. His arrival was controversial … [Read more...] about Benjamin Millepied to leave Paris Opera Ballet… Is La Scala the new POB?
Stéphane Lissner
Paris Opera introduces an exciting digital project 3e Scène – 3rd stage
“After the Palais Garnier in 1875 and the Opéra Bastille in 1989, the Paris Opera has decided to build its 3e Scène (3rd stage) in the digital world.” That explosive statement comes from a new website, created by the Paris Opera, which will go live on 15 September. But how can a website and your pc screen compete with Charles Garnier’s opera house? Well, it will not be … [Read more...] about Paris Opera introduces an exciting digital project 3e Scène – 3rd stage
The BBC interviews Rome Opera’s chief: It was like a war
A few months ago, I was contacted by the BBC about an upcoming Peter Day's World of Business episode, which was to take a look at opera funding. They could hardly do such a programme – which also goes out globally on the BBC World Service and is one of the broadcaster’s most popular podcasts – without visiting opera’s home, Italy. Which opera house was best to feature, they … [Read more...] about The BBC interviews Rome Opera’s chief: It was like a war
@teatroallascala – the world’s most famous theatre goes digital
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 as one of the top players in social networking. It had some catching up to do. The Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera opened their Twitter accounts at the beginning of … [Read more...] about @teatroallascala – the world’s most famous theatre goes digital
Pereira’s future at La Scala in doubt, but the budget is in order
After a meeting this morning of La Scala's board of directors, the future of Alexander Pereira at Milan's Opera House remains uncertain. Within a week we will make our decision, said Giuliano Pisapia, Milan's Mayor and also head of the board. Pereira should take over from Stéphane Lissner as sovrintendente of La Scala in October, but his appointment was questioned after it … [Read more...] about Pereira’s future at La Scala in doubt, but the budget is in order
Storm as La Scala’s new boss buys seven of his own Salzburg productions for Milan
The new sovrintendente at La Scala, Alexander Pereira, has bought for his first season with the Milanese theatre, seven productions from the Salzburg Festival, where he is currently playing out his last season as its director. The affair, first reported in the Austrian press, came as a surprise to Milan's Mayor, Giuliano Pisapia, who is Chairman on the Board of Directors at … [Read more...] about Storm as La Scala’s new boss buys seven of his own Salzburg productions for Milan
Damrau, Armani, Bolle, Zeffirelli, Fracci et al, comment on La Scala’s Traviata
Diana Damrau (soprano) This evening I feel like Violetta: it's a special occasion, and I've never felt this way on a stage before and the success hasn't quite sunk in yet, but I'm happy and proud. I did everything I possibly could. I've never sung a Traviata here, or for the opening of the season, and even more in Verdi's anniversary year. I am very happy. Dmitri … [Read more...] about Damrau, Armani, Bolle, Zeffirelli, Fracci et al, comment on La Scala’s Traviata
Alexander Pereira to take over at La Scala a year earlier than announced
Alexander Pereira will take over as the new sovrintendente or Chief Executive at the Teatro alla Scala in October 2014, that means a year earlier than anticipated. Stéphane Lissner will succeed Nicolas Joel as head of the Paris Opera in 2015. Daniel Barenboim, who is the current musical director, will also leave. Pereira has said that the conductor who will take over from … [Read more...] about Alexander Pereira to take over at La Scala a year earlier than announced
Pereira to head La Scala: career and love come together in Milan
October 2015 marks the start of Alexander Pereira's reign as sovrintendente of one of the world's greatest theatres, the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. Yesterday the city's mayor, Giuliano Pisapia, announced the Austrian's appointment, He is the person we consider most suited to give true value to the jewel in Milan's crown. So, coincidentally just as his present contract at … [Read more...] about Pereira to head La Scala: career and love come together in Milan
Stéphane Lissner to leave La Scala for the Paris Opera in 2015
After the rumours and denials of recent days, Aurélie Filippetti, the French Minister of Culture, has confirmed that Stéphane Lissner will take over from Nicolas Joel when the latter leaves the helm of the Paris Opera in 2015. Lissner's very lucrative contract as Sovrintendente of Milan's Teatro alla Scala was due to expire in 2017. However recently his programming has been … [Read more...] about Stéphane Lissner to leave La Scala for the Paris Opera in 2015