I did my first Goro under his baton. What an honor… and what a learning experience!! Thank you for the music,  Maestro. 

I loved working with Maestro Coppola in Il Trovatore in Cincinnati in 1984. He was truly a genius and fabulous conductor and person. I was so very lucky to have had that marvelous experience. May he REST IN PEACE!

Mo. Anton Coppola was a pleasure and a joy to sing under as a student at Manhattan School of Music from 1975 through 1977. I was lucky to be chosen to sing the lead soprano roles from the opera Don Giovanni and various scenes from Il Trovatore and Rigoletto. Mo. Coppola was fairly demanding, but never without velvet gloves. He will always be remembered as an exceptionally talented conductor and human being. May God Bless him and keep him... Dr. Renee-Michele Evans Sasson

My heart aches from the passing of my dear friend and maestro genius Anton Coppola. I used to tease Maestro when he'd introduce a revision to Boheme or Tosca and he'd say to me, 'Roger, that's the way Puccini would  have wanted it. We met in New Haven at the Schubert opera company in the 80's   with Judy lisi, another  genius .I followed both to Tampa and sang with Opera Tampa for 11 seasons under Maestro.
myself and my family send our love, thoughts, and prayers to Almerinda, Bruno, Lucia, Francis, Sophia, Nicholas, and the entire Coppola family. 
la famiglia
amore
Roger Geronimo

Today we say goodbye to you, dear Maestro Coppola. When I close my eyes, I see you so clearly standing erectly with your cane looking ten feet tall, or being conducted by you while you sat in the conductor's chair holding your baton so intensely, but with an angelic glow on your face commanding the orchestra at will.

Thank for sharing your love and indubitable knowledge of Puccini with all of us, and for coming out of retirement to conduct me as your Tosca for the Manhattan Opera Repertory Ensemble's concert performance of Tosca in 2014 and as Turandot for the world premiere performance of your alternate ending of Turandot in 2017. You will never be forgotten.

With love and gratitude,

Cheryl Warfield, Soprano
Founder, Manhattan Opera Repertory Ensemble (MORE Opera)

Maestro Anton Copolla was a mentor and great friend to George, and we both loved him and Almerinda with all our hearts.  We are keeping Almerinda and the rest of the family in our thoughts and prayers, and are sending our love to each of them.  Maestro was such a versatile man, and we have many drawings and cartoons he sent to us to prove that.  I remember once the four of us were at a masterclass and Maestro said to George, “we are never too old to learn something new!”  Words to live by.  ❤️

I was a student at MSM and can’ t begin to list all that I learned from him. After I left MSM and played timp and percussion in Orlando he came and guest conducted operas over the years. Every one was a gem and a gift. Especially Turandot. I got to know him better every time he came. We lost a musical genius. I’d like to also thank maestro for Bob Petta’s contributions to opera percussion. Maestro was an invaluable resource.

Maestro Coppola was my conducting teacher at Manhattan School of Music in 1973-74. He reminded me of Arturo Toscanini, with his short stature and white hair. He was very demanding, but a perfectionist.  Scared the hell out of me.

I dreaded the first time I would be called up to conduct the 40 member class in Choral Conducting. But I remember that he pronounced my name with such a sweet tone in his voice--because I was Italian! It kept me at ease. Years later I mentioned that he always gave me a B+, and he responded, "Oh, mi dispiace Meloni!

For the past 8 years or so, I would call him on his birthday, March 21st, and reminded him that he had the same birthday as J.S. Bach. He said, "Meloni, they got the dates wrong. Bach was born in 1917, and I was born in 1685!"

RIP Maestro.



Our very dear maestro
Every day of my life I utilize what maestro taught me. I was always honored when he invited me to work with him. We all learned the integrity needed to be a fine musician. i will never forget working with him in Asbury Park with Era  Tognoli and our drives to and  from those rehearsals. Our conversations were fascinating, So many of us were greatly touched by maestro. I will never,never forget everything I learned.  
Oksana Protenic

I was so sad to hear of Maestro Anton Coppola's passing. I had spoken to him about a year ago and said my husband and I would go to visit him when next in New York.  We were expecting to be there in June so we never did manage to see him again. He was a marvelous conductor and I enjoyed singing so many wonderful performances with him.  He will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family.  God bless him.  In sympathy, Arlene Randazzo and Richard Robson

I was fortunate to study conducting and play in the orchestra in Manhattan School of Music with Maestro Coppola, and also played with him on several occasions afterwards. I always appreciated his no-nonsense approach, being a Toscanini aficionado. Two years ago we were reunited, after 50 years, when I visited him and his lovely wife at their Central Park West apartment. I was amazed that he remembered me clearly. We had a grand time, for several hours discussing music, and he was most complimentary about my conducting activities and recordings, which meant a great deal to me, as such praise did not come easily. We particularly agreed that Gershwin was America’s greatest composer. I also attended the concert of his works last September, and have a treasured photo of the two of us following. I found his compositions to be remarkable, including selections from Sacco and Vanzetti, and well as recent works for piano! So sad that he has left us, but what a terrific guy, life and legacy. Sincere condolences to his wife Almerinda and family. STEVEN RICHMAN

I was 22 when I assisted Maestro for the first time- I was as green as they come! Amazingly, he tolerated me, and I went on to assist him for a total of 14 shows.  I followed him around like a puppy dog, asking him questions such as "how do you conduct...."- he would inevitably answer "who knows?!" or "you tell me!". He was the first person to put a baton in my hand and let me stand in front of an orchestra, a shocking event when he relinquished a dress rehearsal of Amahl and the Night Visitors to allow me to get a little experience. I am eternally grateful for being able to have had time with him, and to learn so much from this incredible musician and human. I am sending my greatest love and deepest condolences to dear Almarinda, who was the Yang to his Yin, who kept him calm and centered,  and whom he adored above all. I like to think that he will enjoy finally being able to have a vodka and conversation with Verdi and Puccini in heaven. God bless you, Maestro- veramente, I will miss you.

I am so very fortunate to have worked with Maestro!  He helped me become a better opera company general director.  We were all very fortunate to have him among us for so many years

Caro Maestro,

Thanks for everything.  You will always be an inspiration.

Sleep well!

I first met Maestro as a 23 year old  conducting intern called to play a supernumary rehearsal for him. In the many years since, it has been my honor to assist him in at least 25 productions, if not more. He was my shining light as mentor and friend. Go in peace, Maestro. You will be so greatly missed.

Dear Maestro Coppola,
My parents cherished your friendship and professionalism since the days of the San Carlo Opera Co., and I since the day I was born.   My condolences to Almerinda, Lucia, Bruno and your entire family.  Rest in peace.

Maestro Coppola was such an integral part of my musical life.  He gave me one of my first roles and supported me throughout my singing, including "Sacco and Venzetti".  I learnt so much from him. He will deeply missed.

The Cleveland Opera family bids a fond farewell to Maestro Anton Coppola, at the same time rejoicing that we could so often make great performances together.  What an extraordinary legacy of memories!  

But beyond his roles as maestro and mentor, composer and role model of a life well-lived, husband and father, teacher and inspiration, he was also a great friend.  We will miss our meals together, his New Year’s phone calls, and his joy in the achievements of our work and our son.  

Heaven will be a better place now that he is there.

David and Carola Bamberger



Maestro Coppola, thank you for being an inspiration, and for your 103 years of an exemplary life.
Everyone who was blessed to have been in your company, and worked under your direction, is feeling the tremendous loss.
We all know you are in the most beautiful place, making music with the angels.
With deepest condolences I am wishing all the family and relatives peace and strength.
May all the memories of moments shared with Anton carry you through this difficult time.


Maestro: Thank you so much for your contribution to the Opera world and thank you very much for your selfless dedication to us, thanks to you given us all happiness! you have guided me and led us to the prosperous Opera! I remember you forever! Wish you have a peaceful journey with a hundred million roses! JY. 

It was an honor to serve as your concertmaster for several summers in Cincinnati. You knew every note and word of every score you conducted, and filled the music with energy, love, and care. Thank you dear Maestro. You will be missed.

Thank you Maestro for your unending energy and passion for great music and music making. In my daily teaching, I share what you taught me at Pittsburgh Opera, Yale school of Music,  I will never forget working  with you in productions and coaching with you. Blessings to your family, and friends. You will be greatly missed.

Mark and I are still reeling from the news of the death of our beloved Maestro, Anton Coppola. Words really can't describe what this musical legend, dear friend and mentor meant to us. Mark sang so many operas with Maestro; Tosca, Cav/Pag, Aida, Rigoletto, Il Trovatore and Macbeth among others. He was the ultimate teacher for all of them. We will never forget that singularly unique voice coming from the pit and would miss it in other productions when Maestro wasn't conducting. We were so grateful for all the tremendous knowledge he generously shared with all the singers with whom he worked, along with his insight  and advice. We loved him and we can't imagine this opera world without him. We thought he would always be here with us and for future singers-for us he will always be immortal. Maestro was active as a composer throughout his career and debuted a new opera, "Lady Swan White" at Opera Tampa last year when he was 102. Maestro and Almerinda would always attend  Martina Arroyo's Prelude dress rehearsals in the summer. He was so supportive and enthusiastic listening to the singers and the orchestra. He gave a Masterclass for us on Puccini which was simply a revelation. It was brilliant. We send all our love and condolences to his beautiful Almerinda , their children and grandchildren.

"May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you at your arrival and lead you to the holy city Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive you and with Lazarus,  may you have eternal rest."

Egregio Maestro Coppola,
God bless you. For your great generosity of Spirit and profound knowledge, my humblest thanks to you for teaching me at Manhattan School of Music. Singing Rodolfo with you was being united with Maestro Puccini.
The impact that you have made upon generations of musicians is immeasurable.
Resquiescat in Pace.
With prayers for you and your Family,
Stefano Algieri

He was my Maestro for my first Puccini, in Cincinnati...Turandot...and also Manon Lescaut, and Il Trittico.  He taught me everything I knew...and was so gracious and so kind.  I love him forevever.  Rest in peace, Maestro.  You gave us all such lasting gifts.


Rest In Peace Maestro!It was a glorious blessing to have been under your baton.

Teri Reindel 

I had the honor of working with Maestro in Cincinnati. I learned so much from him. He was a true genius and one of the best conductors I have ever had the honor of working with.

Such a warm and wonderful man! He was always a singer's conductor. Learned so much from that man. I can see him looking down the throats of the celestial choir as they sing!
Requiescat in pace Caro Maestro! 

I had the honor of working with Maestro on Madama Butterfly- he was a genius. Warm, funny and brilliant! Thank you for the memory.  My sincere condolences to your lovely wife and family. RIP dear Maestro.

Dearest Maestro,

How we all have learned from your beautiful life. I am so grateful for all the operas we were able to do together. Thank you for the lineage of opera you have created. It is one of excellence and passion. I speak for many who are forever changed and better because of knowing you. May your memory be eternal.  ❤️

Love,
Jessica 

I did I’ll Trovatore in Cincinnati and I remember thinking—  I’m the luckiest singer in the world to have this privilege of singing with this GREAT CONDUCTOR AND GREAT MAN.  My heartfelt emotions ate stirring. May he rest with the great ones. Mary Jane Johnson

His like will not pass this way again. I cherish all that I learned by being in his presence not least his total dedication to the creators of the miraculous works we tried to bring to life. You will be greatly missed Maestro. 

We all lost a giant of our profession. I have lost a great colleague and friend. He was always there to give advice and help whatever one needed to know. His orchestra reductions are the best and we are lucky for their timelessness.
Dear Maestro, we all will miss you!

Working under Maestro Coppola was memorable and inspiring. I hoped that I was doing a good job - I had not received any of the gruffness that I had seen him  display when reprimanding others in a production of Hoffmann in which I was singing.  During the run, he asked me to sing a  role in a Lucia that he would be conducting . He was funny, kind, and demanding. RIP Maesto. 

The last of the "vecchia scuola" maestri. RIP Maestro Coppola, so many wonderful memories.

The opera world has lost a great advocate. 

Maestro Coppola was hard as nails and knew exactly what he wanted. When you weren't doing that, he let you know. When you were doing what he wanted, it was one of the best feelings in the world (both musically and personally), mostly because you realised he was right!

I will miss him and cherish all that I learnt from him. I am saddened that his artistry and personality is no longer a direct part of this earth. I trust that all of us here will carry on his passion for the art as fiercely as he did. 

My condolences to the Coppola family and friends. He meant so much to so many people and although we didn't know him as direct family, he made us all feel a part of a family. 
Riposa in Pace. 

I had the great good fortune to study conducting  with him at Manhattan School of Music. As a singer it was invaluable information that served me well . May he rest in Peace and I offer my gratitude.

It was my honor to sing my first Goro under the maestro's baton. Of course, he conducted with no score, and sang every note. It was astounding to me, and a strong, life-long memory. I am forever grateful that our lives touched, though I'm certain he had no memory of me. But I am so happy that I can remember him. God bless Anton Coppola. And thank you God, for the blessing that was his life. Ron Brendel

Some of the best days I ever spent at Cincinnati Opera were with Maestro Coppola and I never play any Puccini without thinking of him (and hearing him)! I would love it when he would go to the first orchestra rehearsal of any Puccini opera, plop the conductor's score down on the stand and only open it when he needed to show something to a player who didn't have the score MEMORIZED as he did! What an amazing musician and wonderful man! He will be sorely missed but never forgotten!

I remember each time I played for Maestro...he could really get in one's face, both pianist and singer. But recognizing both his fierce passion, musically, and love for a sincere hardworking singer....if you overcame your fear, you realised his supportive nature. (Then, he was almost a teddybear!) I lived long enough to hear him apologize when he realised he'd been making a musical mistake - for a week - he literally said "I've conducted that wrong for 40 years!" 

Well, Maestro, I see God has made you an offer you couldn't refuse. I guess it's your turn in Heaven's stars. With gratitude and smiles.

My dearest Maestro.    You are a True Legend, as you have been for most of your blessedly long life.   A consummate gentleman, a genius musician, and an incredibly generous heart.   Your presence in this world was a gift we hardly deserved, and you will be remembered so very fondly, and missed so very deeply.   Rest In Peace, dearest Maestro, knowing that you are deeply loved and treasured.

I am so honored and grateful to have worked with Maestro Coppola (Utah Opera/MacBeth,1994) which I regard as the highlight of my years singing opera. I’ll not forget sharing recipes and dining together in our Hotel rooms during rehearsal periods.  My heartfelt condolences to his family and to us all. We have lost a true American Treasure. May God Rest his Soul. 

The world of Opera mourns today the loss of the man I called a tiny Titan.  Thank you Maestro for the many shows we did together... And thanks for sharing even a small part of your giant life!

A man of prodigious musical talent and a fountain of knowledge.  I am immensely grateful for the times I worked with him. He could be gruff and he was very demanding, but it was all about the art of singing and the theater and we loved him for it!  I learned so much from him and it was always inspiring to be in his presence. Deepest condolences to his family and the huge number of performers who were enriched by his talents. What a long and rich life!  Rest in peace and rise in glory.

OBITUARY

Anton Coppola

March 21, 1917 – March 9, 2020

Walter B. Cooke Funeral Home

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