Dear Friends,
I write to you directly to celebrate the life and work of one of our dearest friends, renowned Respighi scholar and Advisory Board member Potito Pedarra, who passed away yesterday morning in Milan. He was recognized as a leader of the Respighi music archive, including serving as the official cataloger of Respighi’s works by request of Respighi’s wife Elsa (e.g. Respighi, Pines of Rome, P. 141).
Potito was my principal mentor on the music of Ottorino Respighi commencing with the oversight of works I would complete with the endorsement of Respighi’s great nieces (sisters) Elsa and Gloria Pizzoli, which immediately led to the orchestra’s Naxos recordings and international brand development. The orchestra and I are forever grateful for his trust in our collective work, and he was always keenly proud of us too.
No single person in music has had a more direct, significant impact on my own life work and career direction than Potito Pedarra. Over the course of twelve years, he would lead in guiding me to countless Respighi museum music archives and related sites, and our families became such friends to the point that he would be recognized as Zio (Uncle) Potito.
Below I share some personal archive photos capturing moments from our over 12 years of work and friendship.
Godspeed Potito. You will be greatly missed.
Yours,
Salvatore Di Vittorio, Music Director & Composer
Chamber Orchestra of New York
