La Scala would lose €50,000 a day if it reopened, complying with the social distancing guidelines imposed by the law passed on 17 May. The opera house’s new intendant, Dominique Meyer, will present the administration’s calculations to the theatre’s board meeting on Thursday. As of now, Meyer estimates that the coronavirus lockdown has cost the theatre €20 million since it was … [Read more...] about La Scala would lose €50,000 a day if it reopened
Verdi
J’Nai Bridges answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start singing? Age 5, in the church choir. Why did you start singing? It was way to best communicate. Which singer inspired you most when you were young? Whitney Houston. Which singer do you most admire? Ella Fitzgerald, Leontyne Price, Beyoncé (it’s impossible to choose!) What’s your favourite role? Carmen right now. What role have you never played … [Read more...] about J’Nai Bridges answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition
Opera singers against the coronavirus – how one singer is lifting spirits in Milan
Gramilano happens to be a neighbour of Armando Ariostini, the baritone who works tirelessly for Casa Verdi, the retirement home for musicians, here in Milan. The coronavirus has kept us all in our homes, and Armando away from his beloved Casa Verdi, which is only a stone's throw away, but at this time it could just as well be in Sicily. To keep spirits up, Italians have been … [Read more...] about Opera singers against the coronavirus – how one singer is lifting spirits in Milan
Olga Peretyatko – the generous and gifted artist in recital at La Scala
Olga Peretyatko was in glorious voice for her captivating recital at La Scala. Beautiful on both the eye and the ear she charmed throughout her highly demanding and lengthy programme, bewitching the audience for more than two hours – people headed toward the exits at 10.40pm after an 8pm start. A mixed programme offered three settings of Gretchen’s (or Margarete’s) soliloquy … [Read more...] about Olga Peretyatko – the generous and gifted artist in recital at La Scala
Interview with Riccardo Chailly on Andrea Chénier and his 40 years at La Scala
Chénier is not only a masterpiece of verismo, but it mirrors many contrasting aspects that preceded the music of the 20th century: there’s Wagner, with echoes of the prelude of Tristan; there is Mahler, in the striking modernity of the orchestration; there is Puccini, who was certainly influenced when writing his Tosca four years later... Riccardo Chailly has said that he … [Read more...] about Interview with Riccardo Chailly on Andrea Chénier and his 40 years at La Scala