Fortune Gallo
Fortune Thomas Gallo (May 9, 1878 – March 28, 1970) (born Fortunato Gallo) was an Italian-born opera impresario. Gallo was owner and General Manager of the traveling San Carlo Opera Company from 1913 until its disbandment in the late 1950s.
Biography
He was born on May 9, 1878, at Torremaggiore, Italy, a little town in the province of Foggia, to Zelinda Accetturo and Tommaso Gallo. He had two sisters, Antonia and Marianna and two brothers, Giuseppe and Giovanni, who became Italian army officers. His childhood was spent at Torremaggiore, where he became involved with music and musicians, especially the "Banda Rossa," which would prove of importance later in his life. In 1895, aboard the vessel "Werra," Gallo immigrated to the United States. He worked as a clerk in an Italian bank on Mulberry Street in New York City. From that base it appears Gallo became involved in politics on the local level, amassing contacts and influence within the Italian community.
Shortly after the turn of the twentieth century the "Banda Rosa" was engaged to play in America. Emanating from this situation was the acquaintance of Gallo with
He not only toured the
He died on March 28, 1970, in New York City.
Personal
On May 4, 1912, Gallo married Sofia Charlebois, an American lyric soprano in the San Carlo company. She died in 1948.
Sources
- Gallo, Fortune, 1878-1970, Papers last retrieved September 1, 2007
- Gallo, Fortune, "Lucky Rooster," Exposition Press, New York, 1967.
- San Carlo Opera Founder, Fortune Gallo, Dead at 91, The Palm Beach Post - Mar 30, 1970[permanent dead link]
External links
- Fortune Gallo Ballet Russe business letters 1940-1942. Manuscripts and Archives, New York Public Library.