Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

May 18, 1892 in Rome, Italy

Death

:

May 9, 1957 in Stamford, CT

Genre

:

Opera

 

Ezio Pinza was a renowned Italian-American bass opera singer and actor, born on May 18, 1892, in Rome, Italy. He was the son of a carpenter and grew up in modest circumstances. Pinza's love for music began at an early age, and he started singing in church choirs. He later joined the choir of the Sistine Chapel, where he received formal training in music. In 1914, Pinza made his operatic debut in Rome, playing the role of Oroveso in Bellini's "Norma." He continued to perform in various Italian opera houses, including La Scala in Milan, where he sang the role of Don Basilio in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville." In 1926, Pinza made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, playing the role of Raimondo in Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor." Pinza's performance at the Metropolitan Opera was a turning point in his career. He quickly became a favorite among audiences and critics alike, and his deep, resonant voice earned him the nickname "The King of Basses." Pinza went on to perform in many other operas at the Metropolitan Opera, including Verdi's "Aida," Mozart's "Don Giovanni," and Puccini's "Tosca." In addition to his operatic performances, Pinza also appeared in several Broadway musicals. He made his Broadway debut in 1949, playing the role of Emile de Becque in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific." Pinza's performance in "South Pacific" was widely acclaimed, and he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Pinza's success in both opera and musical theater made him a household name. He appeared in several films, including "Mr. Imperium" and "Strictly Dishonorable." Pinza also made numerous television appearances, including a guest spot on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Throughout his career, Pinza received many awards and honors. In addition to his Tony Award, he was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1955. Pinza was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1972, and he was posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Pinza's career spanned several decades, and he remained active in the music industry until his death in 1957. He was married twice and had four children. Pinza's legacy as one of the greatest bass opera singers of all time continues to inspire and influence musicians today.

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