Stephen Storace

Full biography Stephen Storace

Stephen Storace was an English composer of the Classical era , born on April 4, 1762 and died on March 19, 1796. He was primarily known for his operas, particularly his comic operas, which were highly popular during his time. Storace had a successful career writing operas for Drury Lane in London, where he spent most of his life.

Storace's oeuvre includes series of dialogue operas in which he often incorporated popular airs and adapted other composers' music. Notable works by Storace include "The Pirates" and "The Haunted Tower," both of which enjoyed great success during the composer's lifetime. In addition to his opera writing career, Storace was also a talented musician, playing several instruments including the piano, violin, and cello.

Storace was also the elder brother of Nancy Storace, a soprano who created the role of Susanna in Mozart's famous opera , "The Marriage of Figaro." Both siblings were close friends with Mozart, and it was through this connection that Storace met and studied with Mozart, who was impressed with his talent and versatility.

Storace's life and career were tragically cut short when he passed away at the young age of 33 due to an illness. Despite his brief career, Storace's contributions to the opera world were significant and helped to shape the genre during his time. Today, his works are still performed and celebrated, particularly in the UK where he spent most of his career.