The New York City Opera is presenting "Caruso and His Songs" on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 7:30 pm at Zankel Hall in Carnegie Hall, located at 881 7th Ave, NYC. Tickets are priced at $10 for students, $35 for general admission, and can be purchased online at Click Here.

In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Enrico Caruso's birth, tenor Mark Milhofer and pianist Marco Scolastra are paying tribute to one of the most renowned singers in history. Their recital features songs written by and for Caruso, sourced from their latest double album. The 90-minute program unveils an undiscovered aspect of the tenor's talent, showcasing how he influenced and inspired his contemporaries to compose for his extraordinary voice. Caruso was a pioneer in the "cross-over" genre, gaining international fame and introducing his stage roles alongside Neapolitan songs to a broader audience.

Mark Milhofer has unearthed around ninety songs dedicated to Caruso, who, surprisingly, was also a composer, contributing to a handful of songs. The inspiration for many of these compositions stemmed from Caruso's colorful and at times tragic love life, dominated by his partner Ada Giachetti. Caruso's life was marked by drama, great wealth, generosity, and significant hard work.

Mark and Marco had the unique opportunity to perform these songs at Caruso's villa just outside Florence, around the 100th anniversary of his death. Their new album, "Enrico Caruso - His Songs," consists of Caruso's nine compositions and 39 of the 90 songs written for him. The album was recorded at Caruso's house and is now available, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Caruso's birth on February 25th, 1873.