The Heinz Historical Center in Pittsburgh, PA will present a program on the Pinza family’s artistic impact.

Ezio Pinza was an Italian-born opera singer who came to the US in the 1920s to perform on Broadway. While in the US Pinza performed over 20 seasons at Metropolitan Opera, with appearances at San Francisco Opera, and more. Pinza also sang at La Scala, Milan, and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Pinza’s daughter, Claudia Pinza Bozzolla was an Argentine-born opera singer. Bozzolla followed in her father’s footsteps by singing successful performances at La Scala, the Met, and San Francisco Opera. She was an influential voice teacher at the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. She trained Metropolitan Opera singers Vivica Genaux  and Audrey Nemzer, as well as Andrew Kurtz who founded the Center City Opera Theater.

Locally, Bozzola was known for her weekly radio program “Opera with Claudia” on WDUQ-FM radio. She also facilitated Pavarotti’s three performances in Pittsburgh.

Bass Kevin Glavin, soprano Anna Singer, and tenor Ulises Espaillat will discuss the Pinza family’s operatic legacy and their connections to the Pinzas. Samuele Bozzolla, Pinza’s grandson will also serve on the panel.

The event will take place on June 8, 2023 at 7 p.m.