Diane Martindale
Diane Martindale (December 17, 1933 – March 19, 2021) was an American opera director, musician, and visionary. Born in Evansville, Indiana, Martindale's unconventional and musically gifted nature set her on a path to become a trailblazer in the opera world, culminating in the establishing of the renowned Dicapo Opera Theatre in New York City.
Contents
Early Years and Musical Journey
From a young age, Diane Martindale exhibited a free spirit and a profound musical talent. Raised in Evansville, she defied societal expectations, charting her course as a musician and paving the way for her extraordinary career. Introduced to music through a music encyclopedia brought home by a door-to-door salesman, her parents recognized her passion. They provided her with a piano and a local Evansville bar's boogie-woogie piano-playing teacher.
Encouraged by her father, who had dreams of being a musician and a doctor, Martindale pursued her musical interests. Her family home resonated with music, as she constantly sang, danced, and played the piano. Her infectious spirit and unique approach to life made her a standout personality among her peers.
Education and Career Beginnings
After graduating from Reitz High School, Martindale pursued her passion for music at Northwestern University, where she earned her master's degree. Relocating to New York, she embarked on a career that would leave an indelible mark on the opera scene.
Martindale's teaching career began on Long Island, where she chaired the music program at Great Neck South High School. During this time, she encountered a young student, Michael Capasso, who would later become her collaborator in shaping the future of opera.
Founding Dicapo Opera Theatre
In the early 1980s, Diane Martindale and former student Michael Capasso co-founded the Dicapo Opera Theatre. The name "Dicapo" reflects a fusion of "Diane" and "Capasso," symbolizing their partnership in this ambitious venture. The company quickly rose to prominence, becoming New York's third major opera company after the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Opera.
Over its impressive 30-year run, Dicapo Opera Theatre garnered acclaim in New York City and internationally. Productions spanned Italy, Hungary, and beyond, solidifying Martindale's reputation as a visionary leader who defied expectations.
Legacy and Impact
Diane Martindale's influence extended far beyond the stage. She played a pivotal role in Michael Capasso's life, encouraging him to pursue a career in opera and eventually co-founding Dicapo Opera Theatre. Capasso credits Martindale with changing his life, allowing him to explore his passion for opera despite familial expectations.
Martindale's impact on the opera community is immeasurable, and her legacy lives on through the artists she mentored, the productions she directed, and the enduring influence of Dicapo Opera Theatre. Her unconventional approach to life and her dedication to the arts ensure her lasting place in the annals of American opera history.
Diane Martindale passed away on March 19, 2021, at the age of 87. Her love for music, adventurous spirit, and transformative contributions to opera continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
