Ellen MacDonald-Kramer

Ellen MacDonald-Kramer is a Canadian writer, editor, opera historian, and classically trained soprano based in the UK. She completed her MA and BFA (Hons.) degrees in in music at York University, Toronto, where she studied voice with renowned mezzo-soprano Catherine Robbin. Ellen loves baroque and classical opera, and is particularly interested in castrati. Other pleasures include secondhand bookshops, Tudor history, cats, red wine, cream teas, and genealogy. She also writes fiction and is currently finishing a novel.

Farinelli’s Last City

Originally interred at the monastery of Santa Croce, Farinelli’s remains were moved to the Certosa in 1810 following the destruction of the former place by Napoleonic forces.

Farinelli’s Last City

Originally interred at the monastery of Santa Croce, Farinelli’s remains were moved to the Certosa in 1810 following the destruction of the former place by Napoleonic forces.

Review: Farinelli and the King

As a castrati historian and enthusiast, I’m intrigued by all things related to the male treble voice, past and present. So to discover that Claire van Kampen had written a play based partially on the life of the most famous castrato was to be euphoric indeed.

Review: Farinelli and the King

As a castrati historian and enthusiast, I’m intrigued by all things related to the male treble voice, past and present. So to discover that Claire van Kampen had written a play based partially on the life of the most famous castrato was to be euphoric indeed.

Women in Trousers: A Very Brief History of a Bizarre Operatic Tradition

Opera is full of little quirks, but the trouser role tradition may well be the icing on the cupcake of its peculiarities.

Women in Trousers: A Very Brief History of a Bizarre Operatic Tradition

Opera is full of little quirks, but the trouser role tradition may well be the icing on the cupcake of its peculiarities.

Thea Kronborg, America’s Literary Diva

Of the few opera singers to appear in classic literature, Thea Kronborg is arguably the most humanly memorable.

Thea Kronborg, America’s Literary Diva

Of the few opera singers to appear in classic literature, Thea Kronborg is arguably the most humanly memorable.

The Garcia Sisters: Two Romantic Divas

Maria Malibran and Pauline Viardot…. Separated by thirteen years and infinitely different natures, they were daughters of the noted tenor and voice teacher Manuel Garcia.

The Garcia Sisters: Two Romantic Divas

Maria Malibran and Pauline Viardot…. Separated by thirteen years and infinitely different natures, they were daughters of the noted tenor and voice teacher Manuel Garcia.

Don’t Shun the Teenage Soprano

Modern opera enthusiasts may sneer at the likes of Jackie Evancho, that irritatingly angelic ‘popera’ sensation… It may come as a surprise, then, that this wasn’t the case 200 years ago.

Don’t Shun the Teenage Soprano

Modern opera enthusiasts may sneer at the likes of Jackie Evancho, that irritatingly angelic ‘popera’ sensation… It may come as a surprise, then, that this wasn’t the case 200 years ago.