(Photo credit: Rocco Casaluci)

Francesco Ernani, a leading figure in the management of Italy’s major opera houses for over four decades, has passed away at the age of 87.

Ernani was born in Ancona in 1937. After studying Economics and Business in Bologna, he moved to the United States to further his training in Business Administration. From there, he began his career in public administration.

In 1971, Ernani joined the Verona Arena as administrative director, and later as Superintendent. During his tenure, Verdi’s “Requiem” starring Luciano Pavarotti with the World Festival Choir and the Moscow Philarmonic Orchestra under the baton of Lorin Maazel took place. He then embarked on a career that would take him to the top of La Scala, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the Rome Opera, and the Teatro Comunale di Bologna.

Ernani also played a leading role in trade associations. He chaired Opera Europa and helped to consolidate relations between Italian and foreign theatres.

No arrangements have been announced at this time.