Lorenzo Da Ponte was an Italian opera librettist born on March 10, 1749, in Ceneda, Italy. He is best known for his collaborations with the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, creating famous operas such as The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Così fan tutte. His works are celebrated for their engaging stories and clever dialogue. In addition to his work in opera, Da Ponte was also a poet and a professor. After moving to the United States in 1805, he became a prominent figure in the New York cultural scene, helping to establish the first opera company in the city. He passed away on August 17, 1838.