Assistant Conductor Gildo di Nunzio has died at the age of 96.

The Metropolitan Opera announced the news, stating that Di Nunzio was one of the most beloved and longest serving company members.

Di Nunzio his debut in 1963 at the old Met opera house as a backstage conductor and for 54 years, he was a valued and cherished member of our music staff.

He conducted offstage choruses, bands, and soloists and collaborated with many legendary conductors and singers.

Audiences will remember him as the exuberant drum major marching down the stairs in the Act two finale of Franco Zeffirelli’s production of “La Boheme,” a role he fulfilled for many seasons.

He was also an excellent pianist, who helped prepare singers musically, most notably working for many years as the personal musical coach for Luciano Pavarotti. He also served as an Italian diction coach.

Speaking about his collaboration with Pavarotti, Di Nunzio said, “Our first real collaboration was Turandot. Yes, I guess I was the first person to hear his ‘Nessun dorma.’ We studied all of this during the domestic tour with the Met. He would sing his performance of ‘La fille du regiment.’ Then the next day before he left town we would study.”