Just the word "CARO" tells you what

Virginia was..the "cry" in the voice 

distinguished her from so many others.

  Here is more of my Virginia. She always called her

fabulous low notes "mask," rather than "chest."

  Well, whatever they are called, they are amazing.

She sang over 70 roles, including 635 Traviatas.

All that arthritis comes from falling on the floor,

plus rehearsals. I wish she had borrowed knee

pads from a football player, but she felt it

was not "reality."

  I have been blessed in my life to have become

acquainted with many singers, some of whom

were more than just stars I met backstage.

The first was Renata Tebaldi, and later on

Olivia Stapp, Diana Soviero, Marisa Galvany, 

Sam Ramey, and Regina Resnik.

  However, in the last years, I have 

become closely acquainted with Mme.

Virginia Zeani, whom I consider as "la mia sorella."

Virginia has been one of the greatest singers

in opera history, although, like Magda Olivero and 

others, not lucky enough to make commercial

recordings, but we "pirates" have spread the

word. 

  On this day, I wish my darling friend, not

in the best of health, by undying love! Happy 

birthday, my dear Virginia.