Franco Ventriglia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Franco Ventriglia
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Franco and Jean Ventriglia in 2007
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Francis Ventriglia
October 20, 1922 Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Died | November 28, 2012 (aged 90) Wallingford, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Resting place | Oak Lawn Cemetery Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Alma mater | ATW's Professional School |
| Occupation | Opera singer (bass) |
| Years active | 1954–2001 |
| Spouse(s) | Jean Armstrong Ventriglia |
Franco Ventriglia (born October 20, 1922 – died November 28, 2012) was a famous American opera singer. He had a deep bass voice. He performed in many big opera houses across Europe during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Later, he returned to the United States. He continued to sing at places like Carnegie Hall until he retired in 2001 at age 79.
Franco's Early Life
Franco Ventriglia was born on October 20, 1922, in Fairfield, Connecticut. His parents were Rosa and Salvatore Ventriglia. He grew up on a vegetable farm. He finished high school in Fairfield in 1941.
After high school, Franco joined the United States Marine Corps. He served in the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in the South Pacific during World War II. When he came back from the war, he was working at his brother's gas station. A music teacher named Mario Pagano heard about Franco's singing talent from a coworker.
Franco auditioned for the American Theatre Wing Professional School. He was accepted and attended the school using the G.I. Bill. This was a program that helped soldiers pay for their education. While there, he even met famous actor Marlon Brando.
Becoming an Opera Star
Before becoming a full-time singer, Franco worked as an inspector at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut. He also sang in local concerts. The founder of Sikorsky, Igor Sikorsky, loved music. He allowed Franco to take one day off each week to study singing in New York City.
After his teacher Mario Pagano passed away, Franco and his wife Jean traveled to Italy. On the ship, he sang Ol' Man River for some passengers. He met a businessman who told him to contact Toti Dal Monte. She was a great coloratura soprano and also taught voice in Rome.
Franco took singing lessons from Dal Monte. He made his first opera performance in Palermo. He sang in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. Later, he sang with the famous Luciano Pavarotti in operas like La bohème and Rigoletto. He performed in Samson and Delilah at La Scala. He considered this performance the best moment of his career.
Later Years
Franco Ventriglia's last concert was when he was 79 years old. He passed away on November 28, 2012. He was buried at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield.
