Tony Villecco

Tenor Tony Villecco is an arts writer for the Binghamton Press and Broome Arts Mirror. A student of soprano Virginia Zeani, his first book, Silent Stars Speak, was released to critical acclaim by McFarland in 2001. His articles have appeared in Classical Singer and Films of the Golden Age.

Mildred Miller : The Met’s Unstoppable Mezzo

Mildred Miller’s boisterous career has truly come full circle. Read about her early work in Europe that led to hundreds of Met performances and how all that experience is now impacting the lives of university students.

Jun 20 Tony Villecco

When Worlds Collide: : Traditional vs. Modern Operatic Staging

Get a closer look at opera’s ever-changing landscape from three major singers and one director.

Oct 01 Tony Villecco

Bass-Baritone Cody Quattlebaum

Cody Quattlebaum, a young singer on the rise, has racked up quite a résumé. With debuts in Zurich and London, Quattlebaum has also been a finalist in the 2018 Glyndebourne Opera Cup and the 2017 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and received a grant from the Richard Tucker Music Foundation. In concert, he has appeared at Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall. How does someone so young, just barely out of graduate school, achieve so much? Ambitious and adventurous Quattlebaum shares his success story here. Read about his up-and-coming European career, plus his advice to young singers.

Jul 01 Tony Villecco

Why We Still Can’t Get Enough of Callas

Love her or hate her, no one can deny the continuing impact of Maria Callas. Have a look at a fresh perspective into the musical styling of this controversial soprano.

Apr 01 Tony Villecco

Helen Vanni: : The Met's Invaluable Trouper

While you may not have heard of Helen Vanni, you certainly have heard of Dolora Zajick. The latter credits the former with shaping her voice and talent while Zajick was a student of Vanni’s at the Manhattan School of Music. Learn more about Vanni’s remarkable career from mainstage operas and concerts to recitals, recordings, and teaching.

Sep 01 Tony Villecco

My Week with Jeritza : Concert Pianist Frederick Marvin Recalls the Legend

Imagine discussing your characterization of Tosca with Puccini himself. Soprano Maria Jeritza did just that, and a pianist who knew her when remembers.

Nov 01 Tony Villecco

A Voice Like Velvet : Remembering Contralto Jean Madeira

Jean Madeira enjoyed a lengthy career at the Metropolitan Opera, where her Carmen was legendary. But the road to that Carmen was hardly straight. Read about the mezzo soprano whose large shadow nearly kept Madeira from that role on the Met stage, as well as Madeira’s remarkable voice and acting abilities that led to an international career, as seen through the eyes of those who knew her.

Oct 01 Tony Villecco

A Voice Like Velvet: : Remembering Contralto Jean Madeira

Mezzo soprano Jean Madeira enjoyed a lengthy career at the Metropolitan Opera, where her Carmen was legendary. But the road to that Carmen was hardly straight. Read about the mezzo soprano whose large shadow nearly kept Madeira from that role on the Met stage, as well as Madeira’s remarkable voice and acting abilities that led to an international career, as seen through the eyes of those who knew her.

Aug 01 Tony Villecco

Walking Out On ‘La Divina’

Maria Callas’ masterclasses at Juilliard have become legendary. But untold until now is the story of a singer who actually walked out on the famous soprano, forfeiting an amazing opportunity but learning some valuable life lessons along the way.