Enrico Caruso: February 25, 1873 – August 2, 1921

Tribute to Enrico Caruso by Michael Capasso, New York City Opera General Director:

On Saturday, we celebrate the 150th birthday of the greatest singer in the history of opera, Enrico Caruso.

Caruso is the reason I became interested in opera. When I was seven years old I asked my Neapolitan grandfather who the greatest Italian singer was. “Caruso,” was his answer. He had heard him as a young boy. So I went to the library and took out the only book on Caruso I could read – a picture book entitled Caruso: His Life in Pictures by Francis Robinson. I was fascinated. I then asked to go to the opera. I fell in love, and the rest, as they say, is history.

After that, I read every book about Caruso and opera I could find. When visiting family in Naples, I insisted I be taken to see Caruso’s childhood home, grave, and Teatro San Carlo. It changed my life.

I was fortunate to form an opera company and have success both as a producer and stage director (sadly not a singer, though I tried). One night in late 1994, I came home and turned on the A&E Biography series. This particular episode featured Soupy Sales. Though as a child I did watch his show, I was shocked to learn that Monsieur Sales had been profiled on the show while Caruso had not yet been. I contacted A&E and they agreed. They put me together with Peter Rosen and the result is the extraordinary episode below. For those not familiar with Caruso it will be fascinating and informative.

In addition, please enjoy this beautiful tribute to Caruso from tenor Mark Milhofer. In the video below, he performs one of Enrico Caruso’s original songs “Tiempo Antico” (Olden Times) at the maestro’s villa outside Florence. Mark’s album Enrico Caruso: His Songs, an album of songs written by and for Caruso will be available for streaming and for purchase soon.

And finally, if you are able, tune in this Saturday at 12pm EST on Facebook Live. Renowned pianist and accompanist Leonardo Ciampa will be hosting a tribute for Caruso’s 150th Birthday Celebration, with Neapolitan tenor Giovanni Formisano in a recital of arias and songs associated with the Great Caruso.

Watch the Virtual Concert on Facebook Live

Enrico Caruso has influenced singers, producers, and most of all, lovers of opera for more than a century. Please be aware of him and honor this magnificent man on the occasion of his 150th birthday.

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Enrico Caruso: February 25, 1873 – August 2, 1921 Submission Details

Author: Michael Capasso from New York City Opera.
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Source: MyPR International