Moomba, King, Portrait, Tito Gobbi, 1969
Summary
Framed black-and-white photograph of 1969 Moomba King, Tito Gobbi.
Tito Gobbi (1913–84) was in Melbourne to perform with the Elizabethan Trust Opera Company when he was invited to become Moomba King. But in the lead up to the festival, the renowned Italian baritone suffered the ire of Melburnians, as he would be the third non-Australian Moomba King in as many years. He sought to abdicate the title after letters promised a hurling of eggs during the festival parade. Following an 11th-hour change of heart he rode safely in the parade with Australian boxing champion Lionel Rose at his side. Gobbi made his operatic debut in 1935; in 1942 he first performed at La Scala and in 1951 at Covent Garden. Alongside the legendary Maria Callas he performed Puccini's Tosca at Covent Garden in 1964. As well as being in possession of a remarkable voice, Gobbi was a talented actor.
