Francesco Meli, born on May 15, 1980, in Genoa, Italy, is a celebrated Italian operatic tenor renowned for his interpretations of the romantic repertoire.
Meli’s musical journey began at the age of seventeen when he commenced vocal studies under the guidance of Norma Palacios at the Conservatorio di Musica “Niccolò Paganini” in Genoa. He further honed his craft under the tutelage of mezzo-soprano Franca Mattiucci. In 2002, he made his debut in Verdi’s “Macbeth” and as the tenor soloist in Rossini’s “Petite messe solennelle” and Puccini’s “Messa di Gloria,” which were broadcast by RAI from the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto. Since then, Meli has graced the stages of renowned opera houses worldwide, including La Scala, The Metropolitan Opera, Teatro Regio di Torino, Royal Opera House in London, Opéra National de Lyon, Opernhaus Zürich, and the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning over two decades, Francesco Meli has amassed a repertoire of over fifty roles, showcasing his versatility and virtuosity. He has performed under the baton of esteemed conductors such as Riccardo Chailly, Myung-Whun Chung, Fabio Luisi, Riccardo Muti, and Antonio Pappano, among others. Meli’s interpretations of Verdi’s works have earned him widespread acclaim, with notable performances in “Simon Boccanegra,” “Ernani,” “Nabucco,” and “La Traviata.”
Beyond the opera stage, Meli has captivated audiences with his concert performances, including solo recitals and collaborations with renowned orchestras worldwide. His repertoire includes a wide range of works, from the Requiems of Mozart, Donizetti, and Dvořák to chamber music pieces by Bellini, Donizetti, and Ravel.
In recognition of his exceptional talent and contributions to the world of opera, Francesco Meli has received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Abbiati Award. He continues to enrich the operatic landscape as an ambassador for the Renata Tebaldi museum in Busseto and as the artistic director and tutor at the Academy of Advanced Professional Training for opera singers at Genoa’s Teatro Carlo Felice.
Francesco Meli’s recordings are available on DVDs released by Deutsche Grammophon, Unitel, and Opus Arte, allowing audiences to experience the magic of his voice time and again.
