Enrico Rigattieri (Tenor)

                                                                              Canio

He studied singing in Florence under Giovanni Mirabella and made his debut as Duke in ‘’Rigoletto’’. He was only 24 years old. Then he was chosen by Pietro Mascagni for appearances in ‘’Cavalleria Rusticana’’ in Cairo and Alexandria. He made guest appearances also in Berlin, where he and made a few, very rare records for Vox. In Berlin he sang opposite Titta Ruffo. He then sang the role of the Duke of Mantua in "Rigoletto" at the Teatro Dal Verme, in Milan. The late Enrico Caruso was in the audience on that occasion, and was so impressed with Rigattlert's Interpretation of the part of the Duke that he personally complimented him, and presented him with a sword which Caruso himself used in the same opera. They then for six months toured India, where he sang about 20 different roles. He appeared also in Paris, Holland, Vienna, Germany, Russia, and Poland, singing with great success. From there he came to Australia, where ho appeared at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne, and His Majesty's Theatre, Perth, with the Italo-Australlan Grand Opera Company (1920-1930’s).

Chronology of some appearances

1919 Prato  Politeama Tosca (Cavaradossi)

1919 Prato  Politeama Traviata (Alfredo)

1920 Prato Teatro Metastasio Cavalleria Rusticana (Turiddu)

1920-1930’s Australia Western Australian Grand Opera Company/ Adelaide Town Hall