Gianandrea Gavazzeni

Italian Conductor and Composer

Gianandrea Gavazzeni was an esteemed Italian conductor, composer, and musicologist, particularly renowned for his interpretations of Italian opera. Born on July 25, 1909, in Bergamo, Italy, he became one of the leading conductors of his time, with a career that spanned several decades. Gavazzeni was especially associated with the works of Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini, and he served as the artistic director of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan from 1966 to 1968. His expertise in Italian opera made him a sought-after conductor for many of the world's leading opera houses. Throughout his career, Gavazzeni made numerous recordings with various orchestras and opera companies, including performances of "Rigoletto" and "Madama Butterfly," which are among the most celebrated operas in the repertoire. He passed away on February 5, 1996, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost interpreters of Italian opera.