“It is with immense sadness that I say goodbye to one of the most influential men in my career.
Masetro Alberto Zedda has passed away at the age of 89. One of the founders of the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, Italy (Rossini’s Birthplace) he was the reason I became a Rossini singer.
Our relationship began in 1989 when I auditioned for him in Paris. He was very complimentary, but offered no work at that time. But, 2 years later, as Artistic Director at La Scala in Milan, he hired me to make my debut as the tenor soloist in Rossini’s Stabat mater, conducted by Riccardo Muti. It was for Rossini’s 200th birthday ( 29 February, 1992).
I also did La Donna del Lago later that year which was my official La Scala stage debut. And in August of 1992, I made my ROF debut in Rossini’s Semiramide which was conducted by Maestro Zedda himself. That began a long and wonderful relationship that has lasted all of these years.
Our last collaboration was in Antwerp, Belgium. It was Rossini’s ( of course !!) Otello and it was capture on CD.
I last saw him and his beautiful wife, Christina just last fall when he was conducting Falstaff in La Conuña, Spain. He was as sprite as always.
I can’t believe he will no longer be with us.
Maestro, you helped to make me the singer I am today. I will be eternally grateful to you for having faithe in me. We made some great music together. You will always be in my heart. Rest in Peace, dear Maestro.” Gregory Kunde
