Michele Novaro (Genoa 1818 -1885)

The author of the music of the Italian National Anthem, son of Girolamo, stage technician at the Carlo Felice theatre and Giuseppina Canzio, sister of the well-known painter and scenographer Michele, after attending the singing and composition school annexed to the greatest Genoese theatre, began his career as an opera singer which led him to perform in various cities. When he wrote the music for the lyrics of his friend Mameli, he was in Turin as second tenor and teacher of the Chorus of the Regio and Carignano theatres. He later returned to Genoa, where he founded a popular singing school, to which he devoted himself with passion, giving free lessons to the poorest students. Fruitful composer, he organized concerts and shows, often donating the proceeds in favour of the patriotic cause. Modest and selfless, he died almost forgotten and is buried in the Staglieno Cemetery near the tomb of Giuseppe Mazzini.