ROSSI, MADAMA EUROPA DE’
ROSSI, MADAMA EUROPA DE’. Madam Europa was a highly accomplished professional singer in the court of the Gonzaga family in late 16th and early 17th century Mantua. She was the sister of the composer and musician Salamone De’ *Rossi, and the daughter of Bonaiuto De’ Rossi. She was also the wife of the prominent Jewish community leader David ben Elisha, whose last name was also De’ Rossi. Madama Europa had two sons, Bonaiuto (Azaria), who became a prominent Jewish leader and educator, and Angelo (Mordechai), who became a court lutanist in Turin and a banker. Madama Europa’s grandsons also served as skilled court musicians and bankers in Turin.
Madama Europa’s musical activities in Mantua are known through court salary records and letters from audience attendees.
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