Prominent Opera Impresario, Gatti-Casazza, 1916

This photograph features Gatti-Casazza, a prominent opera impresario known for his influential role in American opera during the early 20th century. Taken on December 30, 1916, by a photographer from the Bain News Service, it captures a pivotal moment in the world of music and theater. Gatti-Casazza served as the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera from 1908 until 1935, helping to elevate the institution’s international reputation and attract top talent from around the globe.

Gatti-Casazza was instrumental in developing American opera, promoting both established stars and new works. His tenure coincided with significant developments in the opera scene, including the integration of new technologies and a growing appetite for innovative performances. This photograph, a product of early 20th-century photographic techniques, serves as a visual record of a key figure in the cultural landscape of the time, representing a transformative period for the arts in America.