 Born in Parma, Italy on 1 September 1860, Campanini studied music at that city's conservatory, making his debut with a performance of "Carmen", also in Parma, in 1883.That year he was invited to New York City during the inaugural season of the Metropolitan Opera, and was offered a position as assistant conductor with the company.Five years later he returned to the United States to lead the American premiere of Giuseppe Verdi's "Otello" at the Academy of Music.