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Italian baritone, Gianni Maffeo, has died in his hometown of Vigevano, Italy. He was 82 years old when he passed away on Jan. 3, 2022.

Born on March 30, 1939*, Maffeo performed in houses across Italy, from Venice to Naples, as well around the world in such cities as Moscow, Munich, Milan, Monte Carlo, Nice, Avignon, Bordeaux, and Paris, among others.

Among his most renowned performances was an appearance in the role of Schaunard in a 1972 production of “La Bohème” alongside Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni and the Berlin Philharmonic. Herbert von Karajan conducted the performance which was taped for Decca Records; Karajan also chose Maffeo for a 1965 film production of “La Bohème” directed by Franco Zeffirelli.

Among the many works that he recorded were “La Forza del Destino,” “Aida,” “Madama Butterfly,” “Don Giovanni,” “L’Elisir d’amore,” and “Pagliacci.” He also created two duet albums alongside soprano Edy Amedeo.

*news outlets have also listed Maffeo’s birth year as 1936.