Ezio Flagello made his professional debut in 1955 at the Empire State Festival in Ellenville, N.Y., singing Dulcamara in “L’Elisir d’Amore.” His career took off after he won first place in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions of the Air in 1957. He made his Met debut in November 1957 as the jailer in “Tosca.” Shortly after, he sang Leporello in “Don Giovanni,” filling in for Fernando Corena, who was ill.

His performances at the Met included Geronte in “Manon Lescaut,” Dulcamara in “L’Elisir d’Amore,” Sparafucile in “Rigoletto,” Ramfis in “Aida,” Sarastro in “Die Zauberflöte” and the title roles in “Gianni Schicchi” and “Falstaff,” to name a few. He originated the role of Enobarbus in Samuel Barber’s “Antony and Cleopatra,” commissioned to premiere on opening night of the new Metropolitan Opera House in September 1966. 

Ezio Flagello’s final appearance at the Met was as Dr. Bartolo in “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” in December 1984. He continued to perform with other companies.