Bruno Zirato

Bruno Zirato (September 27, 1884 - November 28, 1972) was an Italian immigrant to the United States who became private secretary to Enrico Caruso, managed singers and conductors, and was the managing director of the New York Philharmonic.

Early years

Zirato was born in Italy on September 27, 1884,[1] and he became an American citizen.[2] He was a journalist before he moved into the music-related career for which he became known. He worked for the Il Giornale d'Italia newspaper in Rome, Italy. In 1912 he went to Paris, intending to study journalism at the Sorbonne (a move that his father opposed). An American doctor whom Zirato met in Paris persuaded him to go to the United States, stressing financial opportunities that America provided. They traveled on a steamer to New York City, checked into a hotel and made plans to have dinner together. When dinnertime arrived, Zirato found that the doctor had left for his home in Kansas City.[3] With limited funds and a limited knowledge of English, Zirato survived financially by working for the Italian-language newspaper Araldo Italiano, teaching people Italian, and coaching singers regarding pronunciation.[3] He also taught Italian in New York University's summer school and lectured on Italian literature.[4]

Career

Zirato met Caruso in 1915 during a fundraising event. They became friends, and then Caruso hired Zirato to handle his secretarial matters, including correspondence.[5] Caruso's wife wrote after his death: "Poor Zirato, I was often sorry for him. Zirato wasn't a trained secretary. No professional could have held the position for a day, for although he was highly paid, he had no time to himself, no regular hours. He had to do anything Enrico asked and at any time, regardless of his personal feelings."[6]

After Caruso's death in 1921, Zirato became business manager of Musical Digest, a position that he held from 1922 to 1928. During that period he also was the New York representative of the opera houses Teatro Colón and La Scala and the opera companies in Los Angeles and San Francisco.[5]

Zirato was the personal manager for many singers, including Grace Moore, Ezio Pinza, and Lily Pons, and for conductors.[5] His influence and managerial responsibilities expanded in 1936 when he became vice president of Columbia Artists Management. He retired from that position in 1956.[5]

New York Philharmonic

Zirato's association with the New York Philharmonic began in 1927, "when it was decided that the orchestra needed an Italian-speaking liaison man to smooth dealings with its tempestuous principal conductor, Arturo Toscanini."[5] His title was Special Representative of the Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York for Toscanini.[3] A 1931 newspaper article reported, "During the past two seasons Bruno Zirato has been literally the shadow of Arturo Toscanini. Wherever Toscanini has gone, there has gone Bruno."[7] Zirato maintained a friendship with Toscanini until his 1957 death.[8]

Zirato became the Philharmonic's associate manager in 1931. He was appointed co-manager with Arthur Judson in 1947, and was made managing director in 1956 when Judson retired. Zirato resigned from that position in 1959, at which time he was named adviser to the group's board of directors. He retained that position for the rest of his life.[5]

While Zirato worked with the Philharmonic the group toured Europe in 1930. It toured North America in 1955 (its first transcontinental tour in 34 years), after which it toured Britain and other parts of Europe.[5] While he was co-manager and managing director, the group's financial status improved and attendance increased.[9]

Personal life and death

Zirato married opera singer Nina Morgana on June 15, 1921, in Buffalo, New York.[4] They had a son, Bruno Jr.[5] Zirato died on November 28, 1972, in Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, aged 88. He was buried in Far Ridge Cemetery in Chappaqua, New York.[5]

Book

Zirato and Pierre V. R. Key wrote the book Enrico Caruso, a Biography.[5]

References
  1. "Bruno Zirato, orchestra official". The Record. New Jersey, Hackensack. Associated Press. November 30, 1972. p. 23. Retrieved October 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. Rogers, W. G. (June 14, 1959). "Bruno Zirato, Maestros' Manager, Calls It Quits". The Hammond Times. Indiana, Munster. Associated Press. p. 61. Retrieved October 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. Briggs, John (May 3, 1959). "Case of Stranded Journalist: Deserted by Shipmate, Bruno Zirato Went On To Career in Music". The New York Times. p. X 11. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  4. "Caruso's Secretary Weds Singer; Tenor Gives Money and Jewels". New York Herald. June 16, 1921. p. 11. Retrieved October 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Bruno Zirato, 88, Caruso Aide Who Headed Philharmonic, Dies". The New York Times. November 30, 1972. p. 46. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  6. "Caruso's Amanuensis: A Talent for Food". The New York Times. September 28, 1967. p. 54. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  7. "Salute Bruno Zirato". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. July 5, 1931. p. 24. Retrieved October 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. "Bruno Zirato Tonight 'Toscanini': WIBA". The Capital Times. Wisconsin, Madison. April 8, 1964. Retrieved October 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. "Bruno Zirato, 88, Philharmonic Director". The Reporter Dispatch. New York, White Plains. November 30, 1972. p. 5. Retrieved October 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
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