Matthew Farruggio, a vital presence on the Bay Area musical theater
scene, died Saturday, at age 86.  Sharing the San Francisco Opera Medal
award with Birgit Nilsson in 1981, Mr. Farruggio worked for decades at
the War Memorial as production supervisor, house stage director, and in
other capacities, in particular with the S.F.  Opera Center, whose Merola
Program has held "Matthew Farruggio Day" celebrations.  His work with
opera extended to many regional companies, such as West Bay Opera, as
director, stage coordinator, choreographer; he began his career as a
dancer.  Long-time S.F. Opera Chorus singer Tom McEachern commented on
Mr. Farruggio's passing by saying that "He was an incredibly fair,
talented and generous colleague.  I was the AGMA rep during his tenure,
and he was truly wonderful to work with.  A great loss."

Janos Gereben/SF
www.sfcv.org
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