Antonio Morelli’s birth (1904) and Las Vegas’ emergence as a town (1905) took place within the time span of a single year. Simultaneously, during the early years of the twentieth century, a modern architectural style began to emerge in many sectors of this country and by the time of “Tony” Morelli’s arrival in the Nevada desert in 1954, the distinct Mid-Century Modern look had become a fashionable part of that area’s urban lifestyle. Morelli came to Las Vegas to take advantage of a professional opportunity, but soon he found himself enchanted by desert life as well as the sleek and bold design embellishing the town’s contemporary buildings and dwellings. As he had always been deeply influenced by European classical composers and East Coast living, his sudden western fascination could be considered rather extraordinary.
Morelli’s ultimate intrigue with Las Vegas was even more remarkable given him his first unpleasant encounter in the desert. In 1953, Morelli traveled to Southern Nevada with the Olsen and Johnson comedy team; during their Vegas stopover, the blowing winds aggravated his allergies and caused him severe discomfort.[1] On this trip, Morelli became acutely aware of some of the tribulations of arid living and he was definitely relieved when the time came to return to New York City. Then, following discussions at the Copacabana Club, Jack Entratter, president of the Sands Hotel, offered Morelli the resort’s coveted musical director’s position; for the classical conductor, the plum of this flattering proposal was the Copa Room Orchestra.[2]
