Di Veroli, Manlio

Italian composer Manlio Di Veroli, born in Rome, began his musical training at age eight, learning to play the piano. He then studied at the Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia with Giobanni Sgambati (piano), R. Renzi (organ) and S. Falchi (composition). After earning his diploma in 1909, he headed to London where he was appointed permanent director of the London Opera House in 1911. In addition to his duties there, he became director of a school for theatrical singing. Although he had already been composing instrumental pieces in Italy, his best work was done in London; he became internationally known, particularly for vocal chamber music which the British public favored, and which his popular fellow Italian expatriate composer Francesco Paolo Tosti was also writing. Between 1914 and 1937, more than 15 of his romanzas were published in London, as well as compositions for solo piano, piano and violin duos, sonatas for cello, and an operetta, ”Ali biancho.” Among his notable songs are ”Casarella,” “Memories of Ischia,” “Havaiana” and ”Ritorna amore.” Beniamino Gigli is one of the better-known singers to interpret some of these songs.