Opera Singer. He was born on board a ship between Orán (Algeria) and Altea (Alacant, Comunidad Valenciana), but he is considered that he was born in Dénia (Alacant). His real name was Antonio Montón Corts (or Cortis). In 1916, he began his profesional career with Tosca in Teatro Español of Barcelona. Also this year, he was married to Carmen Arnau in Barcelona. Later, he moved to South America, where triumphed with Caruso in I Pagliaci. Soon, he was known as the Piccolo Caruso or Il Caruso Espagnol. His career became essential when he was engaged as a member of the Chicago Opera. Cortis considered this engagement the peak of his career. Also, he continued to sing performances in London, at La Scala, in Verona, Torino, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Boston, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Washington, Pittsburgh and Santiago de Chile. In 1932, he returned to Spain, but the Spanish Civil War restricted his movements. He opened an Academy in Valencia, but his health declined and died in this city. His last performance was in Zaragoza in 1950, as Cavaradossi. His basic repertory include Rigoletto, Turandot and La Bohème.
Opera Singer. He was born on board a ship between Orán (Algeria) and Altea (Alacant, Comunidad Valenciana), but he is considered that he was born in Dénia (Alacant). His real name was Antonio Montón Corts (or Cortis). In 1916, he began his profesional career with Tosca in Teatro Español of Barcelona. Also this year, he was married to Carmen Arnau in Barcelona. Later, he moved to South America, where triumphed with Caruso in I Pagliaci. Soon, he was known as the Piccolo Caruso or Il Caruso Espagnol. His career became essential when he was engaged as a member of the Chicago Opera. Cortis considered this engagement the peak of his career. Also, he continued to sing performances in London, at La Scala, in Verona, Torino, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Boston, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Washington, Pittsburgh and Santiago de Chile. In 1932, he returned to Spain, but the Spanish Civil War restricted his movements. He opened an Academy in Valencia, but his health declined and died in this city. His last performance was in Zaragoza in 1950, as Cavaradossi. His basic repertory include Rigoletto, Turandot and La Bohème.
Bio by: José L Bernabé Tronchoni
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