Gian Carlo Menotti

Italian-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti (1911-2007) was among the most influential opera composers of the mid-20th century. His operas, for which he wrote the librettos, are notable for their penetrating psychological insight, fluent vocal writing, and memorable melody. Amahl and the Night Visitors was the first opera written for television and is the most frequently performed American opera. He presented many of his most successful operas on Broadway, two of which, The Consul and The Saint of Bleecker Street, received Pulitzer Prizes. He was a noted opera director and founded The Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, and Charleston, SC.