Norma Tina Russo

Tampa’s First Lady of Opera

Ms. Norma Tina Russo, (1902 - 1977) Tampa’s First Lady of Opera, born in Naples, Italy. She began training as an operatic singer when she was fifteen and by nineteen she was singing professionally throughout Italy.

In 1923, Russo began a concert tour of the United States. In 1932 she came to Ybor City, where she produced many recitals, concerts, and grand opera productions.  She also taught voice, managed an opera company, and

helped many charitable organizations by producing benefit performances.

Throughout Tina’s life, she dedicated herself unselfishly to bring opera and culture to Tampa.  As the years passed, Tina brought opera and culture to the Italian Club. 

Her first production was “La Boheme.”  Many times she had to borrow money against her own home in order to pay performers.  Because of her commitment and dedication, Tampa Mayors Nick Nuccio, Bill Poe, and Bob Martinez recognized her during their terms in office. 

In 1970, Governor Rubin Askew presented her with the First Annual Governor Award for Fine Arts in Florida.  Tina was a giant in her career.  She gave all that she had to give. 

Nearly 24 years after her passing in 2001, she was remembered with the world premiere opening of the opera Sacco and Vanzetti by Anton Coppola which was dedicated to Norma Tina Russo [See St. Petersburg Times article].  The Italian Club also has immortalized her in bronze at the historic Italian Club building on Sunday, October 13, 2002.  The Club unveiled to her deserving memory a plaque, featuring her profile and can be found mounted in the Grand Stairway.  The memorial was made possible in part through the generosity of family and friends of Ms. Russo.

FLORIDA GOV. RUBIN ASKEW PRESENTED THE FIRST "GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR FINE ARTS OF FLORIDA"

TO NORMA TINA RUSSO WITH TAMPA MAYOR DICK GRECO IN 1970

OTHER SUGGESTED LINKS:

Ybor City Museum Society

Opera Tampa