Gian Carlo Menotti was an Italian-American composer and librettist. He is best known for his operas, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Consul. He also wrote ballets, orchestral works, and choral works. He was a prolific composer, writing over 30 operas and numerous other works. He was also a director, producer, and librettist. He founded the Spoleto Festival in Italy and the Festival of Two Worlds in the United States.