RESOUNDING ECHOES: From August 2022, Robert McCarney's regular series features little-known twentieth century classical composers.
VIDEO PODCAST: Discussion about Bernard Haitink (1929-2021), Salzburg, Roger Doyle's Finnegans Wake Project, the English Symphony Orchestra, the Chopin Competition Warsaw, Los Angeles Opera and other subjects.
WORD SEARCH: Can you solve Allan Rae's classical music word search puzzles? We're currently publishing one per month.
'Few people know that, in 1995, at New York City Opera, she directed a production of La Traviata, cast live on television, which won the prestigious Emmy Award for best live television event.' - Giuseppe Pennisi
Italian soprano, opera director and teacher Renata Scotto was born in Savona on 24 February 1934 and decided, aged twelve, that she would become an opera singer. She studied at the Milan Conservatory, initially as a mezzo. Her official debut was in the title role of Verdi's La traviata at Teatro Nuovo in Milan.
She went on to have an international career for over forty years, encompassing forty-five different roles.
Renata Scotto died, in her home town of Savona, on 16 August 2023, aged eighty-nine.
Classical music news - August 2023 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month
Ensemble. Italy's Last 'Traviata' (For a While) - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on Verdi's opera in Rieti
Profile. Power and Agility - Ron Bierman talks to Cuban-American soprano Elaine Alvarez
Profile. A Nurturing Environment - Maria Nockin talks to American mezzo Kate Lindsey
Ensemble. Magical eloquence - The first night of Palm Beach Opera's revival of Bellini's 'Norma' provides a night to remember for Lawrence Budmen