Costa, Michael (Michele Andrea Agniello) (1808–1884)

Italian-born English conductor and composer of Spanish descent. He studied in Naples and produced his first two operas at the Conservatory there 1826–27, and wrote a Mass, three symphonies, and other works. In 1829 he was sent to Birmingham, England, by Niccolò Zingarelli to conduct a work by that composer at the Festival, but by a mistake was made to sing tenor instead. He then settled in London, wrote many ballets and operas, and perfected the orchestra at the Opera; in 1846 he was appointed conductor of the Philharmonic Society and Covent Garden opera, and he became the most important festival conductor.

Works Opera Il delitto punito, Il sospetto funesto, Il carcere d'Ildegonda, Malvina, Malek Adhel (1838), Don Carlos (1844).

Ballet Kenilworth, Une Heure à Naples, Sir Huon.

Church music oratorios La passione, Eli (1855), Naaman (1864); Mass for four voices; Dixit Dominus.

Other three symphonies; vocal quartet Ecco il fiero istante.