Bruno Zirato (September 27, 1884 - November 28, 1972) was an Italian immigrant to the United States who became the personal secretary to famous operatic tenor Enrico Caruso, personal manager to various singers and conductors, and was the managing director of the New York Philharmonic.
An American physician whom Zirato met in Paris persuaded him to go to the United States, stressing financial opportunities that America provided.
[5] Dorothy Caruso, wife of the tenor, wrote in her 1945 biography of her husband: "Zirato wasn't a trained secretary.
[5] Zirato became the personal manager for many opera singers, including Grace Moore, Ezio Pinza, and Lily Pons, and for conductors.
[5] Zirato's association with the New York Philharmonic began in 1927, "when it was decided that the orchestra needed an Italian-speaking liaison to smooth dealings with its tempestuous principal conductor, Arturo Toscanini.
[3] A 1931 newspaper article reported, "During the past two seasons Bruno Zirato has been literally the shadow of Arturo Toscanini.
[5] While Zirato was co-manager and managing director, the Philharmonic's financial status improved and attendance increased.