Lanfranco Rasponi

Lanfranco Rasponi (1914–1983) was an Italian author, critic, and publicist known for his writings on opera. Born in Florence to an aristocratic father and American mother, he spent his early life between Italy and the U.S., studying at UC Berkeley and Columbia University. After World War II, during which he was briefly interned as an enemy alien before serving in the U.S. Army, Rasponi established himself as a music journalist and public relations expert. He co-founded Chapman–Rasponi PR firm in 1948 but soon started his own agency, representing prominent opera singers like Licia Albanese and Renata Tebaldi, as well as socialites and restaurants.

In 1955, Rasponi opened the Sagittarius Gallery in Manhattan, showcasing contemporary European artists. However, a financial scandal involving Rosetta Valenti’s charity led to his departure from the U.S. in 1963. Returning to Italy, he focused on writing, publishing "The International Nomads" (1966) and "The Golden Oases" (1968). His most notable work was "The Last Prima Donnas" (1982), a comprehensive account of 55 renowned female opera singers.

Rasponi spent his final years in Rio de Janeiro, contributing reviews to Opera News and co-authoring Dorothy Kirsten’s autobiography. He died in 1983 at the age of 68, never married, and was the last of his noble lineage.