Giacomo Puccini

Born December 22, 1858 in the small town of Lucca, Italy, Puccini became one of Italy’s most well-known opera composers. At the age of 17, he composed his first musical work – a piece for the organ. Watching Verdi’s opera “Aida” made such a profound impact on Puccini that it drove him to compose solely operas from that point forward.

He studied music at the conservatory of Milan, where he wrote a two-act opera-ballet titled “Le Villi” (The Fairies). His opera, “Manon Lescaut” was Puccini’s first great success. However, Puccini is most well- known for his “La fanciulla del West” (the Girl of the Golden West), performed in New York City in 1910. The performance has historical significance since it was the first world premier of an opera at the Met.

Giacomo Puccini died of cancer on November 29, 1924 in Brussels, Belgium, leaving a half- written opera, “Turandot” (The daughter of Turan). Franco Alfano later completed the score and it premiered in Milan one year and five months after Puccini’s passing.