Former Met Opera singer Cesare Siepi dies at 87

[July 07, 2010]  ATLANTA, Ga. (AP) -- Singer Cesare Siepi, who performed hundreds of times at the Metropolitan Opera and was well known for the role of Don Giovanni, has died at the age of 87.

Siepi, a native of Milan, Italy, died at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta on Monday after suffering a stroke more than a week earlier, his family said. Roswell Funeral Home says it will handle arrangements, which are incomplete.

Siepi's distinctive bass helped make him a favorite in such roles as Mephistopheles in "Faust" as well as the title role in "Don Giovanni." His Met career began in 1950 and ran until the early 1970s.

Siepi had lived in the U.S. for many years and performed in two Broadway musicals, "Bravo Giovanni" and "Carmelina." He is survived by his wife, Louellen, and two children.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.