Conductor Viotti Dies

Italian conductor MARCELLO VIOTTI has died following a stroke in the early hours of this morning (17FEB05). He was 50.

Viotti conducted orchestras across America, Germany, France and Austria, until in 2002 when he secured the prestigious position as head of Venice, Italy's Fenice Theatre.

A Fenice official says, "Marcello Viotti was well loved by the public in Venice and they appreciated the work he accomplished in our theatre."

Viotti suffered a stroke during rehearsals of JULES MASSENET's MANON in Munich, Germany and was admitted to hospital last week (ends11FEB05).

He is survived by his wife and four children.