In order to set up a an Italian repertory of his own, EDOARDO SONZOGNO announces a series of competitions for new operas: the success of Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni marks the birth of a new genre, Verism, and a generation of composers makes a name for itself: “Giovane Scuola Italiana” (The Young Italian School), that would include such leading figures, besides Mascagni, such as Puccini, Leoncavallo, Giordano and Cilèa. Edoardo is also rather enterprising as an impresario at the foremost theatres in Italy and abroad and in 1894 has Teatro Lirico Internazionale built in Milan. In this theatre he organizes unforgettable seasons, launching operas he published and also young opera singers who would then become well-known, such as Enrico Caruso.
