Remembering Roberto De Simone

Roberto De Simone passed away last night at his home in Naples. The renowned musician, composer, director, and scholar of popular traditions was 91 years old and had been discharged from the hospital a few weeks ago after being admitted for health issues. The death occurred shortly after 9 PM. Among those present were his sister Giovanna and nephew Alessandro. The funeral arrangements are underway and, pending confirmation from the family, are expected to take place on Wednesday. Musicologist, composer, director, anthropologist: Naples, a protagonist of the cultural scene celebrating its 2500 years, owes much to the musical genius of Roberto De Simone. Founder of the Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare in 1967, author of the opera Gatta Cenerentola (1976), a profound scholar of popular traditions he brought to the world, De Simone was the Artistic Director of the Teatro San Carlo from 1981 to 1987, contributing to the rediscovery of the Neapolitan 18th century. His vast production ranges from the Requiem in memory of Pier Paolo Pasolini (1985) to Eleonora (1999) for the bicentennial of the Neapolitan Revolution of 1799, with directorial credits in major international theaters. The funeral will be held on Wednesday in Naples.