Background
Papi, Gennaro was born in December 1886 in Naples, Italy. Son of Salvatore and Margherita (Bonhomme) G.
Papi, Gennaro was born in December 1886 in Naples, Italy. Son of Salvatore and Margherita (Bonhomme) G.
Graduate in piano and harmony, Naples Conservatorio of Music, 1904. Studied di Pietro a Maiella, Naples.
Came to the United States, 1913, naturalized, 1927. Began as assistant conductor San Carlo, Naples, 1905. With condrs. Mugnone, Mancinelli, Richard Strauss, 1905-1908.
Chorus maestro Imperial Theater, Varsavia, 1909-1910. At Regio Torino Theater and at Covent Garden with Campanini, 1911-1912. Assistant to Toscanini at New York Metropolitan Opera, 1913-1916.
Conductor New York Metropolitan Opera, 1916-1925 and from 1935. Conducted in Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Milano, Bavaria and Chicago, 1925-1935. Leading conductor of Chicago Civic Opera, St. Louis Grand Opera and Metropolitan Opera House, since 1935.
First to broadcast Puccini’s music (operas), 1928, over NBC network. Cavallere della Corona d’Italia. Home: Naples, Italy.
Married Amalia Russo, November 1907. Children: Carolina, Federico.