RIP thread

The Sandbox General
1119

RIP Renatta Scotto

Legendary soprano Renata Scotto has passed away at the age of 89.

The soprano went on to become one of the most revered sopranos of her generation for her sense of style, her musicality, and as a great singing actress.

Born on Feb. 24, 1934, in Savona Italy, Scotto made her operatic debut in her hometown on Christmas Eve of 1952 at the age of 18 in Verdi’s “La Traviata” and the next day she made her “official” opera debut at the Teatro Nuovo in Milan, also in “La Traviata.” She would return to Savona for “Madama Butterfly” that same year.

She had her big breakthrough at the Teatro alla Scala in 1953 during a production of “La Wally” when she sang on opening night alongside Renata Tebaldi and Mario del Monaco. Scotto had 15 curtain calls, while stars Tebaldi and Del Monaco each received seven.

However, her breakout came on Sept. 3, 1957 at the Edinburgh Festival when the Teatro alla Scala performed its production of Bellini’s “La Sonnambula” with Maria Callas. The production was so successful that the company added an unscheduled fifth performance but Callas declined to perform in the added show. As a result, Scotto took the role of Amina and at the age of 23 became an international opera star.

1120
1121

We lost Price is Right game show host Bob Barker today. RIP

7 Likes
1122

RIP

image

7 Likes
1123

Condolences to Barney on the loss of his father.

1 Like
1124

get ready for a spike in the pet population

3 Likes
1125

RIP Isabel Crook.

Had not heard of this woman until I read her obituary. She lived a very interesting 107 year life.

1 Like
1126

Margaret Mead tends to overshadow most other female cultural anthropologists.

I took a few classes in anthropology when I was in the US and I don’t recall Crook ever been mentioned. Its possible that they do cover her in a Canadian University a bit better though.

1127

Given where she worked, I’d be surprised to see her mentioned at all since it would give some level of “credibility” to the Communists.

1 Like
1128

Someone suggested he was closest to 100 without going over. Then I reminded them of Betty White.

2 Likes
1129

I don’t think she is well-known in academic circles: I just found her life story interesting.

Probably the best known Canadian communist with Chinese ties was Dr. Norman Bethune who is much better known and well-respected in Canada.

1 Like
1130

and both huge animal activists

1 Like
1131

RIP Jimmy Buffet

2 Likes
1132

RIP Mohamed Al Fayed.

1133

He was also the uncle of the murdered journalist Khashoggi.

1 Like
1134

I’ve had the opportunity to deliver packages to him in Aspen when I was working for UPS during their holiday rush. Didn’t quite meet him person, though.

3 Likes
1135

He tried very hard to be accepted by the British establishment but never succeeded.

1 Like
1136

Jimmy Buffett??? ??? ???

1137

I think that was about al Fayed.

RIP Jimmy Buffet, love me some Parrothead music.

1138

It was indeed Al-Fayed I was referring to but maybe Jimmy Buffet also tried to get accepted into the British establishment. Singing Margaritaville to the Queen at a command performance might have achieved that for him.

4 Likes