Italian live music body Assomusica Associates has announced the death of its president, Vincenzo Spera, following a road accident in Genoa.
Spera, who was 70, became president of the organisation in 2012 following a long career as one of the country’s leading promoters. The company he founded in 1974, Duemilagrandieventi, has organised hundreds of concerts for the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra and Tina Turner over the last five decades.
Assomusica said in a statement: “Grief-stricken and dismayed, the members of the board and all Assomusica Associates wish to remember the exceptional personal and professional qualities of Vincenzo Spera, who was always involved in the promotion of live music.
“We will never betray your wish to “cultivate emotions” with a smile on your face, and with the joy and courage that come with enthusiasm. May your music, our music, always play for you.”
In addition to managing Duemilagrandieventi, Spera was also a member of the Italian Superior Council for the Arts.
In his years as Assomusica president, he promoted several campaigns for the development and internationalisation of live music, with the development of young talents as his highest priority.