Farewell to Cagliari baritone Angelo Romero.
He was 86 years old: a refined and appreciated performer in Italy and abroad, he helped bring Sardinian opera to the most important international stages. A baritone specializing in the Rossini repertoire, he built a career spanning over half a century, distinguishing himself for his vocal qualities and his acting skills, which he also developed through his acting studies.
His debut dates back to 1966 with Monteverdi's L'Orfeo, but it was the role of Figaro in The Barber of Seville that truly established him : a role he performed more than 600 times between rehearsals and performances, becoming the hallmark of his career. Over the years, Romero has tackled over 150 operas, ranging effortlessly from Rossini, Donizetti, Verdi, and Puccini, giving life to characters such as Malatesta in Don Pasquale, Falstaff, Marcello in La bohème, Belcore and Dulcamara in L'elisir d'amore, Rodrigo in Don Carlo, and Lescaut. He has been conducted several times by Luchino Visconti.
His work has taken him to major Italian and international theaters, earning him a reputation as a versatile performer, capable of seamlessly transitioning from brilliant to dramatic roles. This career also earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Municipality of Capoterra in 2017, in recognition of his contribution to the spread of opera worldwide. He has also made numerous film appearances, such as Alfio in The Godfather: Part III.
After his intense stage career, Romero did not abandon music. On the contrary, he chose to put his experience at the service of the younger generations, dedicating himself to singing teaching and the training of young artists. He was a professor at the Quartu Music Academy and continued to mentor numerous students, passing on the tradition of bel canto, particularly the Rossini and Donizetti repertoire.
(Unioneonline/D)
