Costa, Michael (EN)

Costa Sir Michael Andrew Agnus, born Michele Andrea Agniello Costa, *4 February 1808 Naples, †29 April 1884 Hove (Sussex), an English conductor and composer of Italian descent. He initially studied with his father, Pasquale Costa, a composer, and later at the Naples Conservatory under his grandfather, G. Tritta, and under the guidance of G. Furna, G. Crescentini, and N. Zingarelli. As early as 1823–1829, his cantata L’immagine and four operas were performed in Naples. In 1829, Costa settled in England; from 1830 to 1846, he worked at the Kings Theatre (later Her Majesty’s Theatre), first as “maestro al piano,” and from 1832 as conductor and music director. From 1846 to 1854, he was the conductor of the Philharmonic Society, in 1847, he founded the Royal Italian Opera, based in Covent Garden, which he led until 1868. From 1871 to 1881, he was once again music director and conductor of Her Majesty’s Theatre, collaborating with H. Mapleson. At the same time, from 1848 to 1882, he was conductor of the Sacred Harmony Society; with this orchestra, he participated in the Handel Festivals from 1847 to 1880. He also conducted at festivals in Bradford (1853), Leeds (1874), and Birmingham (1849–1882). In 1869, he was knighted.

Costa was one of the first professional conductors active in England; today he is regarded as one of the founders of the high standard of English orchestras. He introduced an extremely strict work discipline and was famous for his expressive conducting technique. His thoughtful interpretations served as a model for a long time. Costa’s compositions were not successful; only his oratorios Eli and Naaman were performed more frequently at English festivals.

Literature: N.T. Portacci Michael Costa, Taranto 1934; Correspondence with Costa, in: Rossiniana in the Piancastelli Collection II, ed. F. Walker, “The Monthly Musical Record” XC, 1960.