Franco Leoni

Franco Leoni (24 October 1864 – 8 February 1949) was an Italian opera composer. After training in Milan, he made most of his career in England, composing for Covent Garden and West End theatres. He is best known for the opera L’oracolo, written for Covent Garden but taken up successfully by the Metropolitan Opera in New York. In addition to his operas, Leoni wrote several cantatas and oratorios and many ballads and other songs. He also worked as a conductor in London, both in the concert hall and in the theatre. Life and works Early years Leoni was born in Milan and studied music at the Milan Conservatory under Amilcare Ponchielli and Cesare Dominiceti. His opera Raggio di Luna (Moonbeam) to a libretto by Camillo Zanoni was first performed at the Teatro Manzoni in Milan in June 1890. Two years later, Leoni emigrated to England, which remained his home until 1917. In 1896, he wrote what he called “a dramatic musical poem”, “Sardanapalus”, inspired by Byron’s 1821 play of the same name. The work, for soloists, chorus and orchestra, was premiered at the Queen’s Hall and was well reviewed, although reviewers commented on the influence of earlier composers on the score. In 1897, Leoni’s