Cecilia Bartoli (IT)

About

Also known as: Cecila Bartoli, Cecillia Bartolli, Τσετσίλια Μπάρτολι

Few classical singers have made baroque and early music feel as alive as Cecilia Bartoli. The Roman mezzo soprano built her reputation on an extraordinary voice, combining a distinctive timbre with dazzling coloratura flexibility, particularly in Mozart, Rossini, and the baroque repertoire that suits her best. Within fifteen years of her professional debut in 1988, she was already working with conductors like Herbert von Karajan, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and Daniel Barenboim. Beyond the standard opera circuit, Bartoli has devoted serious energy to unearthing forgotten works, bringing neglected compositions by Gluck, Salieri, and Vivaldi to recording for the first time. Her Vivaldi album, a collection of rare arias researched alongside her late brother Gabriele, earned her widespread recognition. She frequently collaborates with period instrument ensembles including The Academy of Ancient Music and Il Giardino Armonico, whose historical instruments blend naturally with her voice. In 2016 she received the Polar Music Prize.