<<< Current News
NB: This page may contain broken links due to updates on the original websites
05.12.2024 } 09.12.2024 } 10.12.2024
“Polifemo” at the Opéra Royal de Versailles with Franco Fagioli as Aci
More photos: Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles on Facebook
...le contre-ténor {Franco Fagioli} s’impose par la netteté de sa diction, la longueur du souffle, la lumière du timbre, tout un ensemble de qualités qui culminent dans son dernier air (« Alto Giove ») – “Opéra royal de Versailles : un “Polifemo” de Porpora pseudo-baroque”, Lara Othman, 05.12.2024 Also at this link: photos by Franck Putigny
Le contre-ténor argentin livre une prestation pleine de couleurs et d’assurance, royale. Sa voix ronde et lumineuse se conjugue harmonieusement avec une prononciation travaillée et un jeu d’acteur investi. L’œil de Polifemo s’ouvre à Versailles, Vojin Jaglicic, 08.12.2024
Une voix singulière avec des aigus stratosphériques, des graves impressionnants, des sauts de registres abyssaux, une sculpture du son unique et une intention derrière chaque note. Voilà ce qui pourrait résumer cette incarnation spectaculaire à tout point de vue et qui laisse la salle en délire. Polifemo de Porpora : plaisirs coupables à l’Opéra royal de Versailles Steeve Boscardin, 10.12.2024
Quest’ultimo {Aci}, cantato da Fagioli, prende sempre più la scena man mano che si trasforma da umile pastorello dai dolci accenti in immortale, quando il controtenore potrà sfoggiare i suoi magnifici acuti, ma molto toccanti pure i suoi pianissimo, e più che lo sfoggio del suo virtuosismo che pure farà alla fine esaltando la sala, colpisce la maturità e sensibilità della sua misurata e raffinata interpretazione. Il virtuosismo di Polifemo, Alma Torretta, 10.12.2024
22.11.2024
In Anticipation of “Polifemo” at the Opéra Royal de Versailles with Franco Fagioli as Aci
Watch on YouTube or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/operaroyal.chateaudeversailles/videos/1648220489065146
Château de Versailles Spectacles – YouTube
07.09.2024
See the photos from the first performance of “Aureliano in Palmira” in Krakow on Opera Rara official FB page.
05.09.2024
In Anticipation of “Aureliano in Palmira ” with Franco Fagioli as Arsace
More photos of the rehearsals of “Aureliano in Palmira” on Opera Rara Facebook page
More about the production in Polish: 
Pierwsze w Polsce wykonanie opery „Aureliano in Palmira” Gioachina Rossiniego na festiwalu Opera Rara
14.06.2024 } 24.06.2024
“Tolomeo” with Franco Fagioli: Selected Press
“Franco Fagioli cantó el protagonista: Tolomeo, y lo hizo conectadísimo y con una tremenda personalidad que dotó de profunda teatralidad muy barroca a su parte. Con un registro amplísimo que impresiona, y con un fiato que le permite hacer diabluras con su voz, el contratenor argentino nos regaló largos y regulados melismas, apianando el sonido de forma bellísima, como hizo en la cadencia de Torna sol per un momento consiguiendo al acabar una ovación atronadora. Algún trino suena duro, y la coloratura no tiene el plus de ‘seda’ en el engarce de los sonidos, pero el cantante triunfó por todo lo alto realizando una actuación extraordinaria, de hecho, creo que su interpretación del Stille amare será muy difícil de olvidar. Fantástico”. (from a review by Javier Pérez, 10.06.24)
“… su {de Franco Fagioli} gran momento llegó sin embargo con el aria más reconocida de la obra, la estupenda “Stille amare”, en la que, con un suntuoso acompañamiento de la orquesta, derrochó expresividad y remató el Da Capo con una nota a solo, en el registro sobreagudo y en pianísimo, que logró el objetivo previsto: arrancar del respetable los más grandes aplausos de la noche.” (from a review by Emilio Fernández Álvarez, 11.06.2024)
“En esta ocasión, pudimos disfrutar de una soberbia interpretación del papel escrito para el gran Senesino. Fagioli se imbuyó plenamente de la personalidad del rey y de sus sentimientos, dando vida con una credibilidad aplastante al monarca egipcio, lleno de tormentos emocionales, grandes alegrías, esperanzas, convirtiendo cada intervención suya en una autentica delicia que rebosaba los afectos barrocos de un modo exuberante, haciendo gala de un dominio técnico formidable y exhibiendo un instrumento vocal extraordinario.” (from a review by Simón Andueza, 14.06.2024)
For health reasons, Franco Fagioli had to cancel his participation in the opera “Tolomeo” in Amsterdam and Barcelona. Check Schedule page concerning other venues.
03.01.2024 } 19.01.2024 } 30.01.2024 } 01.02.2024
In Anticipation of “Polifemo” with Franco Fagioli as Aci
Rehearsals in photos: Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3 | Photo 4 … and more photos on Opéra national du Rhin (Facebook) (photos: Klara Beck Photographies)
10.11.2023 } 22.11.2023
Release of CD “Messiah” with Franco Fagioli as Conductor
Château de Versailles Spectacles has released a new recording of Händel’s “Messiah“ under Franco Fagioli‘s musical direction and featuring Marie Lys, Margherita Maria Sala, Pablo Bemsch and Alex Rosen.
24.10.2023
Prize of the Opera Critics of Cataluña Goes to Franco Fagioli
For the second year in a row, FRANCO FAGIOLI has been awarded the Prize of the Opera Critics of Cataluña (el Premio de la crítica operística de Cataluña) as Best Singer in a concert/recital of Season 2022-2023 for his performance in “Ariodante” at the Palau de la Música Catalana. In Season 2021-2022 Franco won this title for his solo concert “Natura & Turments”. Congratulations, Franco!
Sources: 
Premios de la crítica operística de Cataluña: temporada 2022-23 
‘Il trittico’ de Puccini acapara los Premios de la Crítica catalana de la temporada 2022-2023
19.10.2023 } 20.10.2023 } 21.10.2023 } 23.10.2023
“Roméo et Juliette” at the Royal Opera of Versailles with Franco Fagioli as Romeo: the Press
“Franco Fagioli, Romeo, héroe de la noche, puso toda su ciencia y su arte en caracterizar el personaje. No escatimó efectos vocales de gran virtuosismo y de la mayor dificultad: trémolos, adornos de todas clases, fraseo impecable, respiración al límite de lo posible, todo ello con justeza musical, sin fatiga ni dificultad aparentes.” Romeo y Julieta, amantes inesperados by Jaume ESTAPÀ, 21.10.2023
“Franco Fagioli se régale dans son rôle, aussi visiblement que le public devant sa prestation. Ravi d’incarner le légendaire Roméo, il entre sur le plateau tout sourire et bravache <…> Dans sa signature vocale typique, il passe d’un grave marqué de ténor à sa tessiture de contre-ténor, dans les cimes. En chemin il multiplie les ornements, vocalises et trilles, en des bouquets de notes ou en variant l’intensité de la projection et des sanglots vibrants. Il ne manque d’ailleurs jamais de souffle, au contraire : il se plaît à rallonger encore la durée de ses phrasés et ses longues tenues conclusives, et il y rajoute encore des soupirs amoureux”. Roméo et Juliette à Versailles en VO (Version Ovationnée) by Charles Arden, 19.10.2023
“Le contre-ténor {Franco Fagioli} est sans doute le seul, aujourd’hui, à pouvoir reprendre ce rôle créé par le castrat Crescentini, grâce à la longueur de sa tessiture, ses registres parfaitement unis, une agilité à toute épreuve”. A Versailles, résurrection du “Giulietta e Romeo” de Zingarelli by Emmanuel Dupuy, 19.10.2023
“Romeo, originally written for a castrato, was sung by countertenor Franco Fagioli whose vivid portrayal commenced with manly playfulness before descending into the depths of despair, all conveyed in languidly spun phrases which seemed to show almost disturbing breath control. It’s a role which demands constant exploration of a wide vocal range while simultaneously requiring huge theatricality from the singer. Fagioli was a tour de force.” Tales of woe: Zingarelli’s Giulietta e Romeo at Versailles by Dominic Lowe, 20.10.2023
“En Roméo, Franco Fagioli <…> trouve là un rôle à la mesure de son immense ambitus, qu’il sert par des lignes nourries d’un souffle inépuisable. Ses ornementations constantes et fleuries se mélangent à son vibrato creusé dans une virtuosité impressionnante”. Versailles : Juliette et Roméo, dans cet ordre by Damien Dutilleul, 20.10.2023
14.10.2023
CD “Messiah” with Franco Fagioli as the Conductor
Château de Versailles Spectacles is set to release a new recording of Händel’s “Messiah” under Franco Fagioli‘s musical direction and featuring Marie Lys, Margherita Maria Sala, Pablo Bemsch and Alex Rosen. According to the website Rate Your Music, the release is planned for November 10, 2023. More information to follow.
Image source: https://rateyourmusic.com
18.09.2023
In Anticipation of “Roméo et Juliette” at the Royal Opera of Versailles with Franco Fagioli as Romeo
Franco’s interview for Olyrix about the opera “Roméo et Juliette” and his other performances in Season 2023-2024: Franco Fagioli : « Je nomme “miracle” le fait d’avoir pu travailler ainsi » 16.09.2023 >>> added to Interviews Zingarelli à Versailles : Roméo par Franco Fagioli 18.09.2023 / Olyrix
08.07.2023
Franco Fagioli‘s Concert “Anime Immortali” at the Residenz Würzburg: the Press & Recording
“… in der Verbindung einer hochsubtilen Kunst des Singens mit einer jeden Ton individuell und beredt formenden Ausdruckshaltung beschert uns Franco Fagioli heute ein lange für unvorstellbar gehaltenes Mozarterlebnis.” (see the middle of the article) Musikfest der Deutschen Staatsphilharmonie, by Karl Georg Berg, 05.07.2023
Listen to the recording of the concert on Deutschlandfunk Kultur <<< added to Broadcasts
20.06.2023
“Carlo il Calvo” with Franco Fagioli as Adalgiso in Dortmund (Klangvokal Musikfestival): Selected Press
“Bei Franco Fagioli, der erneut in die Rolle des Adalgiso schlüpft, kann man sich teilweise gar nicht vorstellen, wie eine menschliche Stimme zu vollbringen vermag, was Fagioli in seinen Arien zelebriert. <…> Dabei vermittelt er eine Leichtigkeit, so dass man das Gefühl hat, die Töne würden ganz einfach aus ihm herausströmen. <…> {Fagioli} wechselt bruchlos von der Kopf- in die Bruststimme, präsentiert Koloraturen in einer Schnelligkeit und Präzision, dass man vor Begeisterung nahezu das Gleichgewicht verliert”… Krönender Abschluss des Festivals by Thomas Molke
15.06.2023 } 16.06.2023 } 17.06.2023
“Carlo il Calvo” with Franco Fagioli as Adalgiso at the Teatro Alla Scala: Selected Press
“Franco Fagioli, controtenore, è Adalgiso, oltre ad avere una voce straordinaria ed aver affrontato i vari virtuosismi, delle vere e proprie acrobazie vocali che la sua parte gli impone, ha trasmesso tutte le sue emozioni anche senza la mise en scène; non ci sono aggettivi sufficienti per descrivere la sua bravura, aria “Saggio nocchier che vede“ e “Spesso di nubi cinto”. Carlo il calvo by Mirko Bartolucci, 17.06.2023
“Spiccavano innanzitutto Franco Fagioli (Adalgiso) e Julia Lezhneva (Gildippe) che nelle loro arie hanno dato prova di una rara commistione tra virtuosismo e poesia. Fagioli unisce a queste doti anche la capacità di operare veri e propri miracoli come ha dimostrato di fare in più di un momento dove la scrittura lo costringeva a perigliosi e improvvisi salti di registro.” Carlo il calvo di Porpora, trionfo del teatro barocco, by Luca Chierici, 15.06.2023
“Franco Fagioli, Adalgiso, è stato indubbiamente la star della serata, nella conquistare lo spettatore non solo con il virtuosismo del canto, ma per la realistica interpretazione che scaturiva da viso e corpo…” Sfarzo barocco alla Scala: Carlo il Calvo, di Nicola Porpora by Previtali Rosti, 16.06.2023
“Franco Fagioli (Adalgiso), fra i controtenori, è il più acrobatico virtuoso che si sia mai sentito. È sulla cresta dell’onda da anni e la voce continua a gareggiare con la stessa inimitabile bravura nel canto fiorito che lo ha contraddistinto fin dagli inizi di carriera. Fagioli inspira, il petto si gonfia di fiato e quello che segue è pura magia: fiati interminabili, perigliosi salti di registro dall’acuto al grave realizzati con mirabolante perizia e inanellati uno di seguito all’altro, trilli prodigiosamente lunghi, agilità sgranate con timbratura sorprendente, messe di voce e via di seguito.” Milano, Teatro alla Scala – Carlo il Calvo by Alessandro Mormile, 15.06.2023
31.05.2023
Franco Fagioli‘s New Official Website!
Great news: Franco Fagioli’s new official website https://franco-fagioli.info has been launched! Take a look!
As the author of Franco’s unofficial site, I’m very happy that now we can see all the latest information about this fantastic Artist on his beautiful official site franco-fagioli.info! As for this site, francofagioli.com will go on functioning, it will be still present on the net and updated properly (maybe, at a bit slower pace now, but stay tuned, anyway:))) Yours, Irina Molchanova
03.05.2023 } 06.05.2023
Polifemo with Franco Fagioli as Aci on NPO Radio
{upd} Follow the link below to listen to the recording.
Concert performance of the opera “Polifemo” from Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam is to be broadcast live on NPO Klassiek Radio this Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 13:00 (UTC+2) Afterwards, the recording will be available on the website of the radio. Click on the link above, use the “play” button at the bottom of the page for the radio transmission and the button above it (currently inactive) to access the recording. The recording is to be available for about 3 months. >>> See “Broadcasts”
Image source: NPO Radio / Original : Julian Laidig
25.04.2023
Franco Fagioli‘s New Album “Anime Immortali”: More Reviews
Wie auf der Bühne zieht Fagiolis klare, frische, lebendige Stimme den Zuhörer sofort in ihren Bann und kann mit grosser Textverständlichkeit punkten. Die Stimme kommt besonders gut in den frühen Werken, die der zeitgenössischen Opera seria noch deutlich näherstehen. CD: FRANCO FAGIOLI: ANIME IMMORTALI • Kammerorchester Basel, Daniel Bard, by Jan Krobot, 25.04.2023
{Franco Fagioli’s} approach to vocal fireworks is unfailingly intelligent and stylistically aware: rather than emphasising register-changes with dramatic dives into chest voice, he ensures that everything’s elegantly integrated, and the many coloratura passages are executed with an easy fluidity. <…> In our recent interview he expressed his gratitude to the early teacher who informed him that he was ‘a showman and a fine musician, but not yet a singer’ – twenty years on, there’s no doubt he’s all three. Anime Immortali from Franco Fagioli by Katherine Cooper, 14.04.2023
25.04.2023
Carlo il Calvo – Streaming
The recording of “Carlo il Calvo” with Franco Fagioli singing the role of Adalgiso is now available on some streaming platforms. See links on the Recordings page.
14.04.2023
Franco Fagioli‘s Album “Anime Immortali” Released!
Order (physical/digital) and streaming: PENTATONE.
Listen to the album on your preferred streaming service.
Read what Franco says about his attitude to Mozart: A Portrait of Mozart and the Castrato Voice >>>added to Interviews
Listen and watch Franco’s interview for Naxos about Mozart and this album. See the news of April 07 (below) or Interviews
>>> Images: Franco Fagioli (Instagram), photo session for “Anime Immortali” with the photographer Clarissa Lapolla
07.04.2023
Franco Fagioli‘s Interview for Naxos
“Franco Fagioli interpreta a Mozart” Listen to Franco talking about Mozart and the album “Anime Immortali” on Naxos en Español (in Spanish). Part of the interview is available as a video on YouTube and on Naxos en Español (Facebook) >>> added to Interviews on this site.
<<< Image source: Franco Fagioli Countertenor Facebook (video) / Franco’s photo session with the photographer Clarissa Lapolla
31.03.2023 } 04.04.2023
Franco Fagioli‘s New Album “Anime Immortali”: Streaming & First Reviews*
{ES} “Fagioli siempre subraya el texto para brindarle sentido a las palabras, pero también a la ornamentación: son sus características como intérprete”. Franco Fagioli: ANIME IMMORTALI by Pablo Meléndez-Haddad, 01.04.2023
{FI} “Kukaan kuulemani mezzosopraano ei ole saanut Seston kahteen aariaan oopperasta Tituksen lempeys {La Clemenza di Tito} samanlaista linjan pakahduttavuutta ja tunteen syvyyttä kuin Fagioli“. Fagioli juhlii Mozartilla by Harri Kuusisaari, 28.03.2023
* To read in your preferred language, open links, then use Google translate or similar applications.
Listen to several tracks from Franco’s new album on YouTube and other platforms. The official release: 14.04.2023
25.02.2023 } 26.02.2023 } 06.03.2023
Franco Fagioli‘s New Album “Anime Immortali”
One of the leading classical music labels, PENTATONE is about to release the new album of Franco Fagioli, Kammerorchester Basel and Daniel Bard “Anime Immortali” featuring arias by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Upd 1: Digital release date 14 April 2023, physical release: April 2023; pre-order is also available on some distributors’ websites, such as NAXOSdirekt, Prestomusic and others.
Upd 2: Franco Fagioli presents ‘Anime Immortali’: A Portrait of Mozart and the Castrato Voice >>>added to Interviews
17.02.2023 } 19.02.2023 } 21.02.2023
Regretfully, Franco Fagioli is unable to perform in “Achille in Sciro” due to illness. Wishing Franco a speedy recovery! Please, refer to the page of the production on the Teatro Real website concerning the remaining performances.
18.01.2023 } 29.01.2023 } 09.02.2023
In Anticipation of “Achille in Sciro” (Teatro Real) with Franco Fagioli as Achille
RECENT MATERIALS
Teatro Real on YouTube: Aquiles en Esciros | Rueda de prensa (Press conference), 08.02.2023
Aquiles por fin llega a Esciros, y con Franco Fagioli, by Mario MUÑOZ, 08.02.2023
El Teatro Real estrena, finalmente, Aquiles en Esciros, de Francesco Corselli, 08.02.2023
OPERAVISION is to stream the performance live on February 25, 2023 (19:30 UTC+1). The video will be available till 25.08.2023. >>> Added to Broadcasts
Franco Fagioli’s interview mentioning “Achille in Sciro”: “El cantante tendría que volver a ser tan libre como antes”, 31.12.2022 >>> also in “Interviews” on this site
MATERIALS of 2020 (in 2020 the performance was cancelled due to the pandemic)
Franco Fagioli’s interviews in Spanish, Italian and English (the content varies to a certain extent) >>> SEE “Interviews” (Watch) on this site
Sol, sexo y playa: Aquiles antes de la tragedia, 09.03.2020
El Teatro Real recupera la ópera Aquiles en Esciros, 275 años después de su estreno en Madrid, 09.03.2020
Fotografías del ensayo de Aquiles en Esciros y vídeo de rueda de prensa en el Teatro Real, 10.03.2020
Aquiles, un héroe clásico para una ópera ‘queer’ , 10.03.2020 (free registration is required)
‘Aquiles en Esciros’ por Julia Hansen, 11.03.2020
El gran lío de la identidad sexual en una ópera ‘queer’ para el Teatro Real, 18.03.2020
>>> Below: (1) Franco Fagioli (Achille disguised as Pirra) and Francesca Aspromonte (Deidamia), (2) Franco Fagioli and members of the Coro Titular del Teatro Real, photos by Javier del Real | Teatro Real, 2020
10.01.2023
“Alessandro nell’Indie”: Best Production (Forumopera Trophées’22)
Trophées 2022 : les lauréats sont…
>>> Below: Franco Fagioli as Poro in “Alessandro nell’Indie”, images: ARTE TV / Bayreuth Baroque
16.12.2022 } 18.12.2022 } 20.12.2022
“Messiah” under Franco Fagioli‘s Musical Direction: Selected Press
VERSAILLES
“Franco Fagioli, contre-ténor superstar, effectue ce soir ses débuts européens à la direction, et il ne boude pas son plaisir. Les tempi sont enlevés, et sa gestuelle trahit des habitudes davantage vocales qu’orchestrales mais surtout une approche plus holistique (globale) qu’analytique de la partition. Les mouvements s’amplifieront au fur et à mesure de l’œuvre, et sur la fin il frisera même le mime des attaques de cordes…” Le Messie de Haendel dirigé par Franco Fagioli réchauffe la Chapelle Royale de Versailles, by Axel Driffort, 19.12.2022
BARCELONA
“Fagioli ordenó la inmersión en un barroquismo siempre controlado y elocuente, concepto en el que se vio asistido por unos colectivos impecables.” Cuando la Navidad sabe a Händel en el Palau by Marcelo CERVELLÓ 18.12.2022
“El gran Fagioli apostó por una versión muy bien articulada, contrastada en cuanto a dinámicas (como demostró en la ‘Sinfonías pastoral’) y línea, siempre atento a sus solistas y fundiéndose con el coro“. El ‘Mesías’ de Fagioli, aclamado en el Palau, by Pablo Meléndez-Haddad, 16.12.2022 (free registration is required to read the article)
“Mundialment reconegut tant pel seu mestratge com per la bellesa de la veu i una tècnica magistral, que abasta tres octaves, Fagioli s’ha estrenat a Europa com a director amb el concert d’aquesta nit. Al seu país ja ha conduit diversos concerts, i entre ells precisament un Messies” El Messies de Händel torna al Palau amb el debut europeu de Franco Fagioli a la batuta, 15.12.2022
03.12.2022 } 12.12.2022
In Anticipation of “Messiah” and Franco Fagioli‘s European Debut as a Conductor
Programme: General information, cast, list of arias, timing and full text (English and Català) Palau de la Música Catalana
Franco Fagioli debuta en Europa como director de orquesta, 03.12.22
04.11.2022 } 05.11.2022 } 08.11.2022 } 09.11.2022 } 11.11.2022
Ariodante Tour with Franco Fagioli in the Title Role: Selected Press
A CORUÑA
Franco Fagioli: «El contratenor debe aprender técnica vocal como cualquier otra voz» (an interview with Franco Fagioli by HUGO ÁLVAREZ DOMÍNGUEZ, added to Interviews)
PARIS
“C’est donc ce soir encore Franco Fagioli, le contre-ténor, qui impressionne l’auditoire par ses graves poitrinés. Cet Ariodante fourbit ses armes dans une forge et déploie des sommets dans les profondeurs du grave, impressionnant le public qui se retient d’applaudir, notamment car il sait ou ressent qu’il s’agit de rampes de lancement vers ses aigus qui paraissent dès lors d’autant plus vertigineux“. Ariodante au TCE, Fagioli en sextuor multicolore, by Charles Arden, 08.11.2022
“Le concert est dominé par l’interprétation de Franco Fagioli dont on ne sait plus trop que louer en premier. Vocalises ultrarapides, fioritures incroyables et précision de l’émission” Ariodante – Paris (TCE), by Jean Michel Pennetier
BARCELONA
“…quien acaparó todas las miradas, quien nos dejó sin calificativos una vez más, fue ese fenómeno vocal llamado Franco Fagioli. <…> El suyo fue un Ariodante de una belleza vocal inconmensurable. La interpretación ofrecida por el cantante argentino en el Palau superó lo inimaginable. Salió al escenario con mirada altiva, con un dominio de la escena absoluto y siempre cantó con una naturalidad pasmosa, ajeno a las dificultades que entraña el papel” BARCELONA / Un ‘Ariodante memorable’, con un excelso Franco Fagioli by Lluís Trullén, 04.11.2022
“El cantante argentino, dueño de una técnica que suscita el pasmo incluso en un contexto habitado por consumados especialistas, de una musicalidad impecable y de un canto sumamente expresivo, brilló en primer término” ‘Ariodante’, Fagioli y el arte de oficiar del divo, by Marcelo CERVELLÓ, 04.11.2022
El que realment ens admira de Fagioli és el seu gust en el fraseig, aspecte en el que excel·leix, amb un gran control d’un fiato que en molts moments sembla no tenir límits. Essent així, destacaren de la seva gran creació moments de gran dramatisme com les ombrívoles “Cieca notte” i “Scherza infida”, amb una introspecció sincera i emocionant rara en la veu de contratenor. Fagioli i la resta by Dani Cortés Gil, 06.11.2022
>>>Photo below: Franco Fagioli as Ariodante, source: Palau de la Música Catalana (Facebook official account)
26.10.2022 } 29.10.2022 } 02.11.2022
In Anticipation of Ariodante Tour with Franco Fagioli in the Title Role
Contratenores, una voz en boga que va más allá del género by Maricel Chavarría (free registration is necessary); English version: Countertenors, a voice in vogue that goes beyond the genre
Programme: List of arias, timing and libretto (Palau de la Música Catalana)
Comentarios previos: Ariodante en Barcelona y a Coruña 29.10.2022
‘ Ariodante’, de gira con Franco Fagioli by Antoni COLOMER, 26.10.22
Tour info: Askonas Holt
19.10.2022
Franco Fagioli Has Been Awarded el Premio de la Crítica de la Ópera
Franco Fagioli has been awarded el Premio de la Crítica de la Ópera (the Award of Opera Critics) by the association of Amics del Liceu as Best Singer in a recital/concert for his performance “Natura & Turments” at the Palau de la Música Catalana in Season 2021-22. Congratulations!
Sources: 
“La crítica operística premia “Pélleas et Méllisande” com a millor espectacle de la temporada 2021-2022″ “Àlex Ollé arrasa en los Premios de la Crítica de la Ópera” by Pablo Meléndez-Haddad, 18.10.2022 “La crítica operística de Catalunya guardona ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’ com a millor espectacle de la temporada 2021-2022” 19.10.2022
16.09.2022
“Giulio Cesare in Egitto” (TCE) with Franco Fagioli as Sesto on France.TV
The recording of “Giulio Cesare in Egitto” (Théâtre des Champs Élysées, production of 2022) is now available as a video stream on France TV. Creating an account on the site is required (free). See the links: Broadcasts.
08.09.2022 } 09.09.2022 } 11.09.2022 } 14.09.2022 } 19.09.2022
Bayreuth Baroque Opera Festival-2022: “Alessandro nell’Indie” with Franco Fagioli as Poro. The Press.
<<<Franco Fagioli as Poro, image: ARTE TV / Bayreuth Baroque
“Fantástico el Poro de Franco Fagioli, especialista en Vinci como pocos, quien volvió a demostrar su arte cánoro. Emisión homogénea, tersura tímbrica, agudos y coloraturas exquisitas y cambios de posición a los graves de pecho o a agudos en piano y en forte de verdadero maestro. Su aria del primer acto con el violín obbligato de la directora Martyna Pastuszka fue una maravilla, así como su duelo vocal final del primer acto con la Cleofide del sopranista Bruno de Sá, de un delirio barroco extático. En ese dúo, ambos se permitieron la licencia de cantar versiones modernas: de Sá con un fragmento del aria de La traviata: “Siempre libera” (Gioir!) y también parte de las coloraturas de la segunda aria de la Reina de la noche de Mozart. Fagioli, por su parte, contestó con el fragmento final de La donna è mobile, provocando el delirio del público en una pirueta final de acto alucinante” Franco Fagioli protagoniza “Alessandro nell’Indie” en el Festival Barroco de Bayreuth by Jordi Maddaleno, 11.09.2022
Franco Fagioli and Martyna Pastuszka, image: ARTE TV / Bayreuth Baroque >>>
“…solo Fagioli está dotado de los medios y técnica necesarios para plasmar aquellas diabluras vocales que derrochaba Carestini en cada actuación. La caracterización del protervo Poro llevada a cabo por Fagioli es digna de figurar en los anales”. BAYREUTH / Un fastuoso ‘Alessandro nell’Indie’ encumbra a Cenčić como director de escena by Eduardo Torrico, 08.09.2022
<<< Franco Fagioli (Poro), Bruno de Sá ( Cleofide), image: ARTE TV / Bayreuth Baroque
“Der dauerextrovertierte Franco Fagioli <…> ist als Poro nicht nur eine indische Carmen Miranda mit Tuttifrutti-Turban. Der barmt und säuselt glaubhaft verzweifelt mit sanften Gurrkaskaden, beherrscht natürlich ebenso das große Arsenal der Fioriturengeschütze”. Der Mann mit dem goldenen Phallus, by Manuel Brug, 18.09.2022
“So peppt Franco Fagioli als Poro jede seiner Arien mit überbordenden Koloraturen auf, setzt geschmeidige, klangvolle Spitzentöne und spielt mit funkelnden Augen herrlich affektiert”. Lust an der Travestie, by Klaus Kalchschmid, 08.09.2022
Franco Fagioli (Poro), Bruno de Sá (Cleofide), image: ARTE TV / Bayreuth Baroque >>>
“Franco Fagioli als Poro behauptet sich in der Pole Position der Countertenöre. Offener, offensiver ist mittlerweile seine Tongebung, an der verblüffenden Virtuosität über drei Oktaven hat er nichts eingebüßt.” „Alessandro nell‘Indie“ bei Bayreuth Baroque: Eine Überdosis Bollywood by Markus Thiel, 08.09.2022
<<<Franco Fagioli as Poro, image: ARTE TV / Bayreuth Baroque
“Countertenor Franco Fagioli überzeugt auf ganzer linie” BOLLYWOOD-BOMBASTISCH! by Peter Jungblut, 08.09.22 & 
Fulminanter Bollywood-Bombast: Bayreuth Baroque eröffnet by Peter Jungblut, 07.09.22
Image: Franco Fagioli as Poro, by Falk von Traubenberg for Bayreuth Baroque >>>
“En grande forme, le contre-ténor argentin investit le moindre récitatif et orne même l’un d’entre eux avant de déployer dans la bravoure des moyens toujours aussi grisants et une audace crâneuse que lui seul peut se permettre. Cependant, à côté de cet abattage et de l’éclat quasi sauvage de certains suraigus (« Destrier, che, all’armi usato »), Fagioli demeure également un des seuls interprètes actuels à renouer, aussi généreusement, avec ce qui était le roi des ornements dans le premier bel canto : le trille.” Haute voltige et troubles dans le genre à Bayreuth by Bernard Schreuders, 14.09.2022
“Dans le rôle de … Poro, Franco Fagioli est très à l’aise en jaloux-amoureux impétueux et virtuose mais sensible”. Bayreuth offre une spectaculaire recréation de l’Alessandro nell’Indie de Vinci, by Par Anne Ibos-Augé, 08.09.2022
29.08.2022 } updated 31.08.2022
“Alessandro nell’Indie”, Bayreuth Baroque Festival, with Franco Fagioli as Poro. Live Broadcast & Video Stream
According to the information on the official site of Bayreuth Baroque Opera Festival, the performance of the opera “Alessandro nell’Indie” with Franco Fagioli as Poro will be broadcast on Arte TV on 11.09.2022. It will be also available as a video stream and a radio broadcast by Bayerischer Rundfunk on 08.10.2022 at 19.05 (UTC+2/Germany). Check direct links here: Broadcasts
17.05.2022 } updated 16.06.2022
“Giulio Cesare in Egitto” with Franco Fagioli as Sesto: the Press – Selected Quotes
L’Opéra Comédie de Montpellier:
Franco Fagioli <…> déploie comme à l’habitude un immense ambitus vocal de l’extrême aigu aux graves puissamment nourris. Il semble se jouer des difficultés multiples dont le compositeur a émaillé ses interventions. Jules César et Cléopâtre à égalité à Montpellier, José Pons, 06.06.2022
Incarnant Sesto le vengeur, Franco Fagioli excelle tant dans la maîtrise d’un ambitus stupéfiant (jusqu’au contre-ré !) que par une expressivité à fleur de voix et une vocalisation quasi instrumentale. Cette technique lui permet de dynamiser l’aria di furore (« Svegliatevi nel cor ») ou de distiller ses émotions (« L’angue offeso mai riposa »). Giulio Cesare d’Haendel : Royal Firework pour clore la saison de l’Opéra de Montpellier, Sabine Teulon Lardic, 07.06.2022
Le contre-ténor argentin Franco Fagioli captive la salle par l’étendue de son ambitus, un timbre reconnaissable entre tous, un souffle infini porté par une technique sans faille, et enfin par le délié de la vocalisation. Damiano Michieletto signe un sombre Giulio Cesare de Haendel à Montpellier, Emmanuel Andrieu, 11.06.2022
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées:
Franco Fagioli <…> s’empare du rôle de Sextus après avoir déjà chanté le rôle-titre. <…> Il laisse sa voix très ambrée parcourir son immense ambitus, des graves caverneux jusqu’aux aigus nourris, avec une grande fluidité dans les changements de registre. Philippe Jaroussky réussit ses débuts en fosse avec Jules César au TCE, Damien Dutilleul, 12.05.22
Franco Fagioli <…> vocalise ou fait des trilles avec une aisance déconcertante, et qui passe avec une habileté d’acrobate de la voix de tête aux notes graves de la voix de poitrine. Jaroussky fait son César, André Peyrègne, 13.05.22
Franco Fagioli compose un Sextus magnifique de fragilité et de colère, au fil d’une présence athlétique où la chaleur des notes aiguës et filées se heurte à la violence du médium tragique, traversant des états de douleur et de grâce avec la sensibilité d’un Saint-Sébastien. “Giulio Cesare in Egitto” : une éclatante fête baroque, Hélène Kuttner, 14.05.22
Franco Fagioli aux aigus tantôt suaves tantôt corsés et aux vocalises virtuoses, libère une émotion vengeresse à fleur de peau. Le chanteur domine et illumine le plateau dans le rôle de Sesto. Jules César, fin et funeste, Christophe Candoni, 16.05.22
12.05.2022
Franco Fagioli sings Sesto in the new production of “Giulio Cesare in Egitto” (Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris)
Listen to Franco singing “Son nata a lagrimar” with Lucile Richardot as Cornelia:
Added to Videos
22.04.2022, updated
Franco Fagioli is to conduct Händel’s “Messiah”
In the coming season of Château de Versailles Spectacles and Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona Franco Fagioli is to conduct Händel’s “Messiah” featuring Marie Lys, Margherita Maria Sala, Pablo Bemsch and Alex Rosen.
The performances are scheduled for 15 of December (Barcelona), 17 and 18 of December 2022 (Versailles).
The programme will be recorded for the Château de Versailles Spectacles label.
Added to Schedule
12.04.2022, updated
Watch and listen to “ALCINA” (2022, L’Opéra de Lausanne) with Franco Fagioli as Ruggiero
For updated links to streams, please, check Broadcasts page.
Video version: ARTE Concert
Audio version RTS-Espace2
Added to Broadcasts
08.04.2022
“Lucio Silla” with Franco Fagioli as Cecilio is out today!
Listen & buy: Warner Classics & Erato
A short video with interviews of artists participating in the production: Insula Orchestra FB page
30.03.2022
Franco Fagioli is to sing Poro in “Alessandro nell’Indie”
The programme of Bayreuth Baroque Opera Festival has been announced today.
17.03.2022
“Alcina” at the Opéra de Lausanne with Franco Fagioli as Ruggiero: the press
La magia de ‘Alcina’ inunda la Ópera de Lausana (by Albert Garriga, 01.03.2022)
Alcina de Handel à Lausanne : magie, magie… (by Anne Ibos-Augé, 10.03.2022)
LAUSANNE/ Opéra: ALCINA von G.F. Händel. Premiere (by Marcel Emil Burkhardt, 07.03.2022)
La magicienne qui nous enchante (by Claudio Poloni)
La magie d’Alcina (by Charles Sigel, 14.03.2022)
Alcina y su orbe asfixiante en un gran festival de canto (by Albert Garriga, 16.03.2022)
29.01.2022
Opéra de Lausanne reveals highlights of Franco Fagioli‘s upcoming season(s)
The Lausanne Opera where Franco Fagioli is to sing Ruggiero in the new production of “Alcina” this March has revealed the artist’s future engagements. According to Franco’s page on the site of the opera house, they include Ariodante tour with il Pomo d’Oro, projects around the “last castrato” Giovanni Velluti, two operas (“Achille in Sciro” and “Mitridate, re di Ponto”) at the Teatro Real in Madrid and the opera “Alessandro nell’Indie” (which was already announced by the Bayreuth Baroque Festival and scheduled for September 2022). Follow this link and click on the photo “Franco Fagioli – Ruggiero” to open a pop-up window.
As soon as these or other events are officially presented by their organisers, venues or on Franco Fagioli’s official site, they will be added to Schedule.
27.01.2022
Franco Fagioli and Gabetta Consort – concert tour: the press
{BARCELONA} Ópera Actual: Noche de gloria de Fagioli en el Palau (by Albert M. Ribas, 21.01.22)
{BARCELONA} Núvol: One God, one Fagioli (by Dani Cortés Gil, 23.01.22)
{OVIEDO/Interview} La Nueva España: Franco Fagioli: “El arte es cuestionarnos a nosotros mismos” (by Andrea García Torres, 22.01.22) 
The publication is available only to subscribers. In order to balance the interests of the owners of the material and a wide audience, an open publication of the article will be available on this site (page “Interviews”) with a considerable delay.
{PARIS} Bachtrack: Franco Fagioli rallume le volcan napolitain à Gaveau (by Philippe Ramin, 27.01.22)
19.01.2022
Franco Fagioli‘s concert at the Palau de la Música Catalana
Franco Fagioli is to give his first concert at the Palau de la Música Catalana on January 20. Here are two video reports (one includes a little interview with Franco) in anticipation of this event. Other concerts of Franco’s tour with Gabetta Consort are scheduled for January 22 (Oviedo, Auditorio Príncipe Felipe) and January 24 (Paris, Salle Gaveau).
L’aclamat contratenor Franco Fagioli debuta al Palau de la Música (by Víctor Giralt)
Debut del contratenor Franco Fagioli al Palau (TV3 – Televisió de Catalunya, the video is hosted on Palau de la Música Catalana – Facebook)
19.12.2021
Cecilia Bartoli and Franco Fagioli‘s concert tour in Germany: the press
Essen, 18.12.21 (Philharmonie Essen): GIPFELTREFFEN ZWEIER KLASSIK-STARS (by Thomas Molke, Online Musik Magazin)
Hamburg, 14.12.21 (Elbphilharmonie): PFLÜCKE DIE ROSE! (by Jürgen Kesting, F.A.Z., 16.12.21)
02.12.2021
Cecilia Bartoli and Franco Fagioli‘s concert tour: first reviews
Here are some reviews of the concerts Cecilia Bartoli and Franco Fagioli gave at the Tonhalle Zürich on November 22 and the Philharmonie de Paris on November 29. The programme included “Stabat Mater” by Pergolesi and works by Vivaldi, Händel and Marcello. Next concerts with Franco’s participation are scheduled for December 14 (Hamburg), December 16 (Bremen), December 18 (Essen) and December 22 (München). (update: rescheduled with a change of programme into Bartoli’s solo concert)
21.11.2021
Upcoming release: Franco Fagioli in “Lucio Silla” (CD&Digital)
Warner Classics and Erato have announced that the recording of Mozart’s opera “LUCIO SILLA” featuring FRANCO FAGIOLI as Cecilio is to be released on April 8, 2022. The recording also features Olga Pudova, Alessandro Liberatore, Chiara Skerath, Ilse Eerens, Le Jeune Chœur de Paris, Laurence Equilbey and Insula Orchestra.
Added as a new entry to Recordings & New Releases
Image source: warnerclassics.com
16.11.2021
Franco Fagioli in “Partenope”, Teatro Real: the Press
On the 14th, 16th and 20th of November 2021 FRANCO FAGIOLI is singing Arsace in the production of “PARTENOPE” at the Teatro Real, Madrid. Here are some reviews and articles dedicated to this event.
Scherzo: “Where others crash, Fagioli shines” { “Donde otros se estrellan, Fagioli brilla”: MADRID / ‘Partenope’ en el Real: cuando los segundos son los primeros (by Eduardo Torrico 15/11/2021)
Beckmesser: “Franco Fagioli is one of the greatest countertenors of our days and demonstrates it in his various arias” { “Franco Fagioli es uno de los grandes contratenores del presente y lo demuestra en sus varias arias”: Crítica: Partenope en el Teatro Real (by Gonzalo Alonso, 15/11/21)
El Pais (The article is dedicated to the countertenors taking part in the production and includes their short interviews on the topic). Franco Fagioli: “First there was a fashion with the castrati and later, also due to a question of fashion and education, the high-pitched voice was no longer associated with masculinity. And now we are back to the old fashion and countertenors reappear” { “Primero hubo una moda con los castrati y después, también por una cuestión de moda y educación, se dejó de asociar la voz aguda con la masculinidad. Y ahora estamos de vuelta a la moda anterior y resurgen los contratenores“: El regreso de los contratenores: el declive de los estereotipos de género en la ópera (by Raquel Vidales, 12/11/21) English version by Paudal
Image source: Teatro Real
14.09.2021
Franco Fagioli in “Alessandro nell’Indie”
According to the Press Release published by Ophelias Culture PR, Franco Fagioli is to take part in the new production for Edition 2022 of the Bayreuth Baroque Festival: “Alessandro nell’Indie”, an opera by Leonardo Vinci, which will be staged by Max Emanuel Cencic. The premiere is planned for September 8, 2022. {update: September 7}
Franco Fagioli Unofficial 