Gallo, Fortune T., 1878-1970

Opera and ballet impresario Fortune Gallo (1878-1970) was born in Torremaggiore, Italy, to Tommas Gallo and Zelinda Accetturo. He immigrated to the United States in 1895, and three years later became the advance man for the Banda Rossa, a famous Italian concert band. Gallo pursued a career in performance management, and by 1912 had established the touring San Carlo Opera Company, which he operated out of New York City. Gallo managed all publicity, advance work, and business dealings for the company for over 40 years. From 1940 to 1942, Gallo served as managing director of the Chicago Opera, and as the manager and tour director of the Original Ballet Russe under Colonel Wassily de Basil (1880-1951). The Original Ballet Russe, an offshoot of Diaghilev's famed Ballet Russe and formerly called the Ballets Russes de Monte-Carlo, had recently suffered the loss of their manager Sol Hurok. Gallo took over the position and set up tours for the troop in Canada and the United States. His poor relationship with the Ballet's owner led to his resignation at the end of 1941. Gallo continued operation of the San Carlo Opera Company until he disbanded the company in 1955. He died in New York City in 1970.

From the guide to the Fortune Gallo Ballet Russe business letters, 1940-1942, 1941, (The New York Public Library. Jerome Robbins Dance Division.)

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