Description
The collection consists of Bonelli's
letters, documents, photographs, programs, publications, scores, scrapbooks, audiovisual
materials, posters and newspaper clippings.
Background
Baritone Richard Bonelli was born Richard Bunn in Port Byron, New York on Feb. 2, 1889. His
voice teachers were Arthur Alexander in Los Angeles, and Jean de Reszke and William Valonat
in Paris. His operatic debut was as Valentin in Gounod's Faust at the Brooklyn Academy in
1915. From 1922-24 he toured the U.S. with the San Carlo opera company. After touring in
Europe with the Max Sauter Company in 1925, he was engaged at the Theatre Gaite Lyrique in
Paris. That same year he was to join the Chicago Opera Company, remaining there until 1931.
Between 1926 and 1942 he was a frequent guest at the San Francisco Opera, and was also a
member of the Metropolitan Opera from 1932-45. After retiring from the stage he dedicated
himself to voice pedagogy and was a much-appreciated teacher. He taught at the Curtis
Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and at the Music Academy of the West. Richard Bonelli
died in Los Angeles on June 7, 1980.
Restrictions
Property rights reside with repository. Publication and reproduction rights reside with the
creators or their heirs. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the
Head Librarian of the Archive of Recorded Sound.
Availability
Collection is open for research. Listening appointments may require 24 hours notice.
Contact the Archive Operations Manager.