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Tito CapobiancoArgentine opera director
Date of Birth: 28.08.1931
Country:  Argentina |
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Biography of Tito Capobianco
Tito Capobianco, an Argentine opera director, was born on August 28, 1931, in La Plata, Argentina, a major city on the country's eastern coast. He made his official debut in 1953 at the Teatro Argentino in La Plata with a production of Giuseppe Verdi's "Aïda". He then worked at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.
American Debut
Capobianco made his American debut in 1964 with a production of "Carmen" at the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company, starring Jean Madeira. From 1961 to 1965, he served as the artistic director of the Cincinnati Opera Festival and the Cincinnati Opera Theater from 1962 to 1965. In 1965, he joined the New York City Opera with a production of "Les contes d'Hoffmann", featuring soprano Beverly Sills and baritone Norman Treigle.
Notable Works
Capobianco's career included stints at the San Diego Opera from 1976 to 1983 and the Pittsburgh Opera from 1983 to 2000. He was known for his impeccable musical taste, charismatic charm, and visionary artistic vision. He became one of the most important directors in the history of the New York City Opera, staging revolutionary productions such as Alberto Ginastera's "Don Rodrigo" with Plácido Domingo, Handel's "Giulio Cesare in Egitto" that propelled Beverly Sills to fame, and "The Golden Cockerel", "Manon", "Mefistofele" with Norman Treigle, "Lucia di Lammermoor", "Les contes d'Hoffmann", "I puritani", "Il turco in Italia", and the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti's "La loca" in 1979.
Verdi Festival
One of Capobianco's notable achievements in San Diego was the organization of the world's first Verdi Festival. Starting in 1976, the festival presented two Verdi operas each summer, featuring both early and late works of the Italian composer. The festival began with "Otello" as part of the regular season and continued with "Requiem" and "Aida" in 1978, "I Lombardi alla prima crociata" in 1979, "Il trovatore" and "Giovanna d'Arco" in 1980, "Un giorno di regno" and "Requiem" in 1981, and "Il corsaro" and "Un ballo in maschera" in 1982. Capobianco left the theater in 1983, and the festival ceased to exist in March 1985.
Metropolitan Opera
Capobianco made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1978 with a production of "Thaïs", featuring Beverly Sills. He returned in 1984 with Verdi's "Simon Boccanegra".
Capobianco's work was characterized by his pursuit of perfection and his ability to bring his artistic ideals to life. Although his energetic and authoritative management style could be challenging for singers, musicians, and theater staff, he was regarded as one of the most influential directors in the opera world.
