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 was his love and passion for opera, especially Italian opera of the 19th century, which led him to communicate the fruits of his study so effectively not only to conductors and … [Read more...] about Great musicologist Philip Gossett remembered by his colleagues and friends
Teresa Berganza
Giovanna d’Arco – the background of La Scala’s latest production
On 7 December 2015, La Scala’s 2015-2016 Season opens with Giuseppe Verdi’s Giovanna d’Arco, which had its premiere at La Scala on 15 February 1845, but hasn’t been staged at the Milanese theatre since 1865. Bringing back this opera after 150 years is part of the artistic and cultural line that will link the following seasons at La Scala. The new directors wish to revive … [Read more...] about Giovanna d’Arco – the background of La Scala’s latest production
Talents young and old(er) for La Scala’s Barber of Seville
Lilly Jorstad. Note the name. You’ll be hearing it more and more over the next few years. Lilly Jorstad is Rosina in La Scala’s Il barbiere di Siviglia yet she is just halfway through her course at La Scala’s Academy. She has a quicksilver coloratura, a natural rich mezzo colour, an attractive physical presence (huge smile; flashing eyes) and looks as though she’s been treading … [Read more...] about Talents young and old(er) for La Scala’s Barber of Seville
Jennifer Larmore answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start singing? I always sang. My mother told me that I sang even before I talked. I also cannot remember a time when I didn’t sing. Why did you start singing? It has been the most natural thing in the world for me to sing. I always enjoyed it. I liked the sound of my own voice and I liked the way it made me feel. Which singer inspired you the most … [Read more...] about Jennifer Larmore answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Happy 80th Birthday Mirella Freni… from La Scala – in photos and video
Mirella Freni is eighty, and to celebrate her birthday La Scala threw open its doors to her fans and opera lovers to see the great soprano once again on the stage that was hers for so many years. A feisty Freni strode onstage and seemed surprised and visibly moved by the long standing ovation. She was not there to sing, though she says she still has the voice, but with … [Read more...] about Happy 80th Birthday Mirella Freni… from La Scala – in photos and video
Cecilia Bartoli: the generous mezzo makes the front page
Cecilia Bartoli, basking in the glory of her successful series of Normas in Salzburg, yesterday become the cover girl of the French newspaper Libération. The centre-left paper, founded by Jean-Paul Satre in the 1970s, has never had an opera singer on the front page, at least, not a living one. A photo of Bartoli was given half of the front page spread, sharing space with … [Read more...] about Cecilia Bartoli: the generous mezzo makes the front page
Teresa Berganza’s 80th birthday Gala: This is the happiest day of my life!
Teresa Berganza is 80. While that fact may have surprised many (see article) it was certainly an occasion to celebrate, and a Royal Gala in the mezzo's home city was just the thing! The concert at Madrid's Teatro Real mixed established opera stars with young singers including some of Berganza's protégés. A well-chosen programme highlighted Berganza's career with extracts … [Read more...] about Teresa Berganza’s 80th birthday Gala: This is the happiest day of my life!
The mystery of Teresa Berganza’s true age
Wikipedia states, Teresa Berganza, born on 16 March 1935, is a Spanish mezzo-soprano. So how many fans were surprised to hear the announcement of a gala last Friday in Madrid to honour her 80th birthday. At the gala's end, Berganza came on stage to make a well-articulated and passionate speech about art, teaching and Spanish music, and she also took a minute to explain the … [Read more...] about The mystery of Teresa Berganza’s true age
Teresa Berganza’s 80th birthday bash
Tomorrow evening, 21 June 2013, the Teatro Real in Madrid celebrates the 80th birthday of local girl Teresa Berganza. Certainly, the encyclopedias say that she was born in 1935, but she can hardly have posters announcing celebrations for her 78th birthday, so I guess time has finally caught up with her. Sylvain Cambreling and Alejo Pérez will be conducting the Teatro Real's … [Read more...] about Teresa Berganza’s 80th birthday bash
Joyce DiDonato’s recital interrupted by a call from Rossini
Joyce DiDonato well and truly conquered La Scala's audience during her recital last night. She was greeted by an ovation that took her aback - the sort of applause reserved for a Marilyn Horne or Teresa Berganza, recognising their past triumphs on the legendary stage. In this case is was more of a signal to the theatre's management to get DiDonato back to Milan: she's not … [Read more...] about Joyce DiDonato’s recital interrupted by a call from Rossini