Magda Olivero 1910-2014
The legendary Italian soprano Magda Olivero has died.
By
La Cieca
La Cieca has just received confirmation from La Scala’s Twitter of the sad news that the legendary Italian soprano Magda Olivero has died. She was 104.
Courtesy of Jungfer Marianne Leitmetzerin, here is Olivero’s final Met performance. She was 69 years old at the time this was recorded.
Giacomo Puccini: Tosca
Metropolitan Opera
James Conlon, conductor
Masonic Hall, Detroit, Michigan
24 May 1979
In-house recording
Tosca – Magda Olivero
Cavaradossi – Luciano Pavarotti
Scarpia – Cornell MacNeil
Sacristan – Italo Tajo
Spoletta – Andrea Velis
Angelotti – John Cheek
Sciarrone – Russell Christopher
Shepherd – Carl Tramon
Jailer – Philip Booth
In memoriam Magda Olivero – 25 March 1910 – 08 September 2014
Olivero, whose career began in 1932, sang only 10 performances with the Met, making her house debut as Tosca on 03 April 1975 for three performances, followed by seven performances on tour in 1979 of which this is her final performance with the company.
La Cieca
James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.
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Topics: magda olivero, obit, Sad
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People: Andrea Velis, Cornell MacNiel, Giacomo Puccini, Italo Tajo, James Conlon, John Cheek, Luciano Pavarotti, Magda Olivero, Philip Booth, Russell Christopher
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Works: Tosca
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Places & Organizations: Metropolitan Opera
