RIP Luca Ronconi, director straordinario

The great Luca Ronconi passed away today in a Milan hospital. The Rossini revival, The Rossini Opera Festival, the American Friends of the Rossini Opera Festival ( he was an honorary board member) owe so much to his genius. What would the modern premier ofIl Viaggio a Reims have been like without his participation. Would anyone remember Armida today? We so fortunate to have him love Rossini. He will be missed.