Celebrity
Renata Scotto, Soprano Of Uncommon Intensity, Dies At 89
Renata Scotto, an extraordinary soprano who became a famous director following her singing career, died Wednesday in her hometown of Savona, Italy. She was 89 years old.
Robert Lombardo, Scotto’s manager in New York, claimed he was called by her family and notified of her death. “I spoke with her several weeks ago and got no indication that anything was going on,” he explained.
Scotto has houses in both Italy and Armonk, New York.
“Renata Scotto is a true artist and profound connoisseur of voice and repertoire, gifted with technique, musicality, a personality of rare power, always at the service of the composer, and able to emotionally stir the public in every phase of her long career,” said soprano Cecilia Gasdia, superintendent of the Fondazione Arena in Verona.
From her debut in Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” on October 13, 1965, through her final performance, again as Cio-Cio-San, on January 18, 1987, Scotto made 314 appearances at the Metropolitan Opera. During her final run, she also directed, which became her new profession.
“I like to live in the present,” she told The Associated Press in 2007. “Of course, I watch films on DVD.” I loved every minute of my job. I’m now living with the young vocalists. I adore them so much.′′
Renata Scotto, an extraordinary soprano who became a famous director following her singing career, died Wednesday.
Scotto, born on February 24, 1934, in Sovona, debuted there in 1952 as Violetta in Verdi’s “La Traviata” and reprised the part the next day at Milan’s Teatro Nuovo.
On December 7, 1957, the opening night of the season, she made her debut at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala in the title role of Catalani’s “La Wally” alongside Mario Del Monaco, with Carlo Maria Giulini conducting.
The New York Times dubbed Scotto a “new star” when she made her Met debut.
Raymond Ericson described her as “short, plump, and with a round face that is remarkably expressive.” “She is a lyric coloratura with a small voice that carries in a large auditorium due to its concentrated tone.” And she is a complete actress, both vocally and physically.”
When Scotto performed the title role in Bellini’s “Norma” on the first night of the Met’s 1981-82 season, she was booed by Maria Callas fans as opposed to anyone else performing the role.
In 1977, she co-starred with Luciano Pavarotti in the first “Live from the Met” webcast of Puccini’s La “Bohème.” As her singing career came to an end, she turned to directing.
Renata Scotto, an extraordinary soprano who became a famous director following her singing career, died Wednesday.
“I adore it. “Of course, it’s completely different,” she told the Associated Press. “There’s more responsibility — you’re in charge of everything — the stage, the scenery.” It’s a different point of view. You have a different perspective on the show.′′
Scotto directed Deborah Voigt in Puccini’s “Tosca” role for the first time at the Florida Grand Opera in 2001.
′′What was impressive was that she didn’t try to put her imprint on it,′′ Voigt said. ′′She guided me through it and assisted me in finding my way through the role and my Tosca, distinct from Renata Scotto’s.”
Scotto’s daughter Laura Anselmi Miller, son Filippo Anselmi, and two grandkids survive him. Funeral arrangements, according to Lombardo, had not yet been finalized. Lorenzo, her spouse, died in 2021.
SOURCE – (AP)
Celebrity
2024| Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Washington – Pras, On Friday, a court denied a request for a fresh trial in a multimillion-dollar political conspiracy lawsuit against Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly determined that his defensedefense attorney’s employment of a generative AI software during closing arguments and other errors made throughout the Washington, D.C. trial did not constitute a substantial miscarriage of justice.
Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Michel was found guilty of ten counts after a jury heard testimony from witnesses, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former US Attorney General Jeff Sessions. On the most serious charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison. He is free until sentencing, which has yet to be decided.
The Grammy-winning rapper was accused of funneling money from a now-fugitive Malaysian financier through straw donors to Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, then attempting to deter a Justice Department investigation and influence an extradition case on behalf of China during the Trump administration.
The defense said Michel received lousy advice as he attempted to support himself while recreating himself in politics.
His defense attorney, David Kenner, who has previously represented rappers like Suge Knight and Snoop Dogg, pleaded guilty to leaking grand jury evidence to reporters.
Michel hired a new lawyer, who claimed Kenner had made several errors, including deploying an “experimental” generative AI software that botched closing arguments by misattributing a lyric from his client’s influential 1990s group.
Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Michel, however, failed to prove that Kenner’s handling of the case influenced the jury, according to Judge Kollar-Kotelly.
She accepted that some of Michel’s faults were valid, but they did not neutralise the prosecution’s extensive evidence against him or render the nearly month-long trial unfair.
Michel’s representative had no immediate comment on the ruling.
SOURCE | AP
Celebrity
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
Julian Ortega, a Spanish actor best known for his role in the popular Spanish-language Netflix drama series “Elite,” has died, according to the country’s actor and actress union. He was 41.
“Our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the union said in a statement Monday.
The sun
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
Ortega, the son of Spanish actress Gloria Muñoz, was born in Madrid in 1983. According to the organization, he attended acting school in the Spanish capital.
He began his career in Spanish-language films, including the 2000 drama “El Otro Barrio” (“The Other Side”) and the 2008 horror fantasy “La raíz del mal.”
He appeared in various Spanish television programs before becoming well-known internationally after appearing in six episodes of Netflix’s Elite.
Ortega played a restaurant manager in the murder-mystery-infused high school thriller, which follows privileged pupils at a prestigious school.
His most recent performances were in drama programs like “The Countryside” (formerly called “El Pueblo”) and “4 estrellas.”
“You were a great man; humble, always smiling, generous, and thoughtful…” I have a great colleague. “Thank you for everything,” wrote his “Countryside” co-star Ruth Diaz in an Instagram post.
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
According to the Spanish Theatre in Madrid, Ortega has worked on theatre ventures, including the 2021 play “Ira,” which he created and co-starred in with his mother.
The reason for the death has not been officially confirmed.
SOURCE | AP
Celebrity
Selena Gomez Reacts To Taylor Swift Cameo Rumors in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ S4
Selena Gomez has recently put a fun twist on rumors swirling about a potential cameo by Taylor Swift in the fourth season of Only Murders in the Building. In an interview with E! News, Gomez responded to the speculation with her signature humor and charm.
Laughing off the rumors, Gomez quipped, “You’re hilarious. She’s a little busy, you guys.”
Her playful tone continued as she added, “Oh dear, I love that,” while still chuckling. Gomez’s light-hearted response showcased her easy-going nature and her ability to handle fan speculation with grace.
Gomez’s co-stars, Steve Martin and Martin Short, also joined in on the playful banter. Martin, in a comedic twist, said, “Listen, she calls us every day. Here – she’s calling right now. Ahh I’ll take it later.”
‘Only Murders in the Building’ S4
Martin Short added to the jest, joking, “No, I was talking to Taylor around 3:00 a.m.” Their jokes highlighted the camaraderie and fun atmosphere among the cast.
Beyond the jokes, Martin took a moment to genuinely praise both Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez for their poise.
He commented, “Taylor Swift handles everything perfectly and so does Selena. In the situations I’ve seen—politically, trolls, everything—she just seems to have a wisdom about how to do something quietly, effortlessly.”
The interaction underscores not only the strong bond between the cast members but also their mutual respect and admiration for each other.
Gomez and Swift’s friendship, along with their shared ability to navigate public life with elegance, continues to be a topic of interest and admiration among fans and colleagues alike.
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