Roberto De Simone, 91, Theatrical Director Dies
- Naples, Italy – Roberto De Simone, a towering figure in Italian culture celebrated for his work as a musicologist, composer, and theatrical director, died Sunday evening at his...
- De Simone passed away peacefully around 9:30 p.m., according to his nephew, Alessandro De Simone, who was present.
- Despite recent health challenges that led to a hospital stay, De Simone had been discharged and was reportedly alert and had dinner the evening before his death.
Roberto De Simone, Renowned Musicologist and Composer, Dies at 91
Table of Contents
- Roberto De Simone, Renowned Musicologist and Composer, Dies at 91
- Roberto De Simone: A life in Music and Culture – Q&A
- Who was Roberto De Simone?
- When did Roberto De Simone die?
- What was Roberto De Simone known for?
- Where did Roberto De Simone live?
- What was “La Gatta Cenerentola”?
- What other positions did Roberto De Simone hold?
- What awards and recognitions did Roberto De Simone receive?
- What was the public reaction to Roberto De Simone’s death?
- Where will Roberto De simone be honored?
- Summary of Key Facts:
Naples, Italy – Roberto De Simone, a towering figure in Italian culture celebrated for his work as a musicologist, composer, and theatrical director, died Sunday evening at his home in Naples. He was 91.
De Simone passed away peacefully around 9:30 p.m., according to his nephew, Alessandro De Simone, who was present. he had been battling a long illness.
Despite recent health challenges that led to a hospital stay, De Simone had been discharged and was reportedly alert and had dinner the evening before his death. Emergency services were called, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
gaetano Manfredi, the mayor of Naples, announced that a public viewing will be held Wednesday at the San carlo Theatre. The funeral Mass, officiated by Cardinal Battaglia, will take place in the cathedral. As a sign of mourning, flags throughout the city will be flown at half-staff.
De Simone’s influence on Neapolitan and Italian culture is immense. He founded “The New Company of Popular Singing” and is perhaps best known for his masterpiece,”La Gatta Cenerentola” (the Cinderella Cat). He served as the artistic director of the San Carlo Theater of Naples from 1981 to 1987, staging numerous opera productions. In 1995, he was appointed director of the San Pietro a Majella conservatory of Naples, a position he held untill 2000. de Simone was inducted into the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in 1998. He received the Roberto Sanseverino Prize in 2003 and the Nonino Risit D’Aur Prize in 2015. in 2019, he was awarded the title of Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of merit of the Italian Republic.
Reactions to De Simone’s Death
Alessandro Giuli, the Minister of Culture, expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “I express sincere condolence for the disappearance of Maestro Roberto de simone, remarkable protagonist of Italian culture and authoritative ambassador of the Neapolitan musical and theatrical tradition in the world. Director, composer, musicologist and enlightened intellectual, De Simone has been able to combine artistic genius and scientific rigor, giving voice to the immense popular cultural heritage and the deep roots of our country. To his family members the condolences of the Ministry of Culture.”
Vincenzo De Luca, the president of the Region, said, “Let’s say goodbye with emotion to Maestro Roberto de Simone, great composer, director, musicologist – multifaceted and brilliant, in the various musical and artistic genres was a majestic singer of the deepest feelings of Neapolitan culture and humanity. The Neapolitan language was rigorous and passionate scholar, enhancing all the creative shades and making it known and appreciated to the whole world. Roberto De Simone inspired generations of musicians, singers, writers. his ‘cinderella cat’, just to mention one of his manny works, is a heritage of humanity, an extraordinary sublimation of fantasy. To family members, friends, and art companions, our closeness and the deepest condolences.”
Mayor Manfredi stated, “We are deeply grieved for the death of Maestro Roberto De Simone. Naples loses a cultural reference that has been able to bring our city around the world over the decades, combining ancient traditions with an extraordinary innovative attitude. We were closely linked to De Simone, aware of its artistic greatness. Naples and the municipal management will remember De Simone as it deserves, for its contribution to Italian and international culture. of the city, we had already foreseen an exhibition to retrace its production at San Carlo.”
Roberto De Simone: A life in Music and Culture – Q&A
Who was Roberto De Simone?
Roberto De simone was a prominent figure in Italian culture, celebrated for his work as a musicologist, composer, and theatrical director. He died at the age of 91 in Naples, Italy.
When did Roberto De Simone die?
Roberto De Simone died on Sunday evening at his home in naples.
What was Roberto De Simone known for?
De Simone was known for his significant contributions to Neapolitan and Italian culture. He founded “The New Company of Popular Singing” and is perhaps most famous for his masterpiece, “La Gatta Cenerentola” (The Cinderella Cat). He also served as the artistic director of the San Carlo Theater of Naples and held directorships at the San Pietro a Majella conservatory.
Where did Roberto De Simone live?
Roberto De Simone lived in Naples, Italy, and passed away at his home there.
What was “La Gatta Cenerentola”?
“La Gatta Cenerentola” (The Cinderella Cat) is likely De Simone’s most well-known work. It is a masterpiece that exemplifies his creative genius.
What other positions did Roberto De Simone hold?
Aside from his work as a composer and musicologist, Roberto De Simone held several key positions:
Artistic Director of the San Carlo Theater: From 1981 to 1987, De Simone staged numerous opera productions at the San Carlo Theater of Naples.
Director of the San Pietro a Majella Conservatory: He served as the director of the San Pietro a Majella conservatory of Naples from 1995 until 2000.
What awards and recognitions did Roberto De Simone receive?
De Simone received several honors during his lifetime, including:
induction into the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia: 1998
Roberto Sanseverino Prize: 2003
Nonino Risit D’Aur Prize: 2015
knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic: 2019
What was the public reaction to Roberto De Simone’s death?
Many prominent figures in Italian culture and government shared thier condolences.
Alessandro Giuli, Minister of Culture: Expressed sincere condolences, highlighting De Simone’s remarkable contributions to Italian culture and his role as an ambassador of Neapolitan musical and theatrical traditions.
Vincenzo de Luca, President of the Region: remembered De Simone as a great composer, director, and musicologist and a majestic singer of Neapolitan culture.
* Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of Naples: Expressed deep grief, emphasizing that Naples loses a cultural reference and that the city would remember De Simone for his contributions to Italian and international culture.
Where will Roberto De simone be honored?
A public viewing will be held Wednesday at the San Carlo Theater. the funeral Mass, officiated by Cardinal Battaglia, will take place in the cathedral. Flags throughout the city will be flown at half-staff as a sign of mourning.
Summary of Key Facts:
| Feature | Details |
| :————————— | :———————————————————————- |
| Name | Roberto De Simone |
| Occupation | Musicologist, Composer, Theatrical director |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Died | Sunday evening |
| Location of Death | Naples, Italy |
| Age at Death | 91 |
| Notable Work | “La gatta Cenerentola” (The Cinderella Cat) |
| Key Positions Held | Artistic director of San Carlo Theater, Director of San Pietro a Majella |
| Significant Honors | Knight of the Grand Cross, Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia |
| Public Reaction Highlights | Condolences from Minister of Culture, President of Region, and Mayor of Naples |