Let a hundred flowers bloom

The 2009 Proms line-up is announced. With a little bit of luck, I will be there. Can't wait!

The real 'Il Divo'

There was quite a nice interview with Roberto Alagna in today's Telegraph . A real divo indeed. He is surrounded by gossip, has a 'child like need to be loved and never shuts up'. Or, as Christiansen puts it: he is a terrific show-off'. Of course he is married to La Gheorghiu and we all remember him for his Scala walkout in 2007(?).

But what I dind't know is that the divo can be a bit cheesy. The first time he and his Angela held hands was in a La Boheme rehearsal "and we both blushed". He heard her singing behind a closed door, "and couldn't believe that she was even more beautiful than her voice when I opened it". Awww... how sticky. Is that his heart speaking or is he just showing off?

Leif Ove Andsnes

Don't you just love him? I know I do. And I know you should too. As it happens, he is a genius. And he is performing in Amsterdam this afternoon.

Mariss, when we'll meet....

In today’s Independent, you can find an interview with Mariss Jansons.

I am ashamed to admit that I never have seen him conduct. I live in the Netherlands, near Amsterdam, so it shouldn't be a big problem. But every time I have a ticket to see a Jansons performance I really want to see (last was the Turangalila), either Jansons or me get sick and one of us is a no show.

That's the sad love story of Jansons and me.. But don't you worry Mariss, I'll keep on trying!

In the mean time, the entire press around the globe is in a competition. A Latin American competition. It seems that every newspaper and reporter wants to shout hardest how much they like the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra and how much in love they are with Dudamel. A few nice examples: The Guardian LA Times
, The Telegraph

Dudamel is conducting the RCO next May. I have tickets. Yes, I am happy.

Abbado returns to Milan

Posted by my favorite blogger Opera Chic: Abbado returns to the La Scala stage! It is a pity I don’t live near Milan, or I definitely would try to go to the concert. Especially since the Berlin concert next May was completely sold out before I could even open the Berlin Phil’s website. Bummer.

Anyway, I think that every time Abbado climbs the stage is a reason to celebrate. The only flaw in the plan is Mahlers 8^th Symphony. I really, really, REALLY like Mahler, just not this particularly piece. It should’ve been the Third.