Gioacchino Longobardi

Gioacchino Longobardi passed away on February 14, 2025, surrounded by family. A dedicated husband of 32 years, musician, conductor, and scholar, he spent his life transcribing and performing the music of the 18th-century Neapolitan masters.

Born in Castellammare di Stabia, near Naples, Gioacchino was the son of a blacksmith and shipyard worker. His father, Giovanni, nurtured his musical talent, acquiring a piano and introducing him to formal training. By age seven, he was studying under Tita Parisi, which led to his admission to the Conservatorio di Musica San Pietro a Majella in Naples. There, he received diplomas in piano, composition, choral conducting, opera conducting, and Gregorian music. Under the mentorship of M. Ugo Rapalo, he explored the Conservatorio’s archives, reviving forgotten masterpieces, including a cello concerto by Leonardo Leo.

He later studied at the Hochschule Mozarteum in Salzburg, where he became one of the final students of Herbert von Karajan. As a touring musician and conductor, he performed throughout Europe.

In 2007, he founded the Neapolitan Music Society, dedicated to sharing the works of the Neapolitan Masters. He was the music director of the Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra, which toured Italy in 2014, and choral conductor of the Calvary Methodist Church choir in Latham, New York.

In December he performed with his orchestra, The Ensemble Partenopea, in Naples, Italy. The performance included world premier pieces of the Neapolitan masters on modern instruments. His impact as a mentor, historian, and performer ensured that the legacy of these forgotten masters would endure.

Gioacchino is survived by his wife, Mary Longobardi (née Ravella) of Albany; his sister, Rita Longobardi of Anacapri; and his nephew Matthias Guarino also of Anacapri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Giovanni Longobardi and Ada Belevedere, and his brother Domenico.

Rather than flowers, donations in honor and remembrance of Gioacchino may be made to Feeding America by clicking here.

Friends and family are invited to attend Visitation on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 8:30 am - 10:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 10:00 am at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd, Loudonville, NY 12211.