Cecilia Bartoli (born 4 June 1966) is an Italian mezzo-soprano opera singer. She is known for her powerful, agile voice and her interpretations of Baroque music, particularly operas by Handel, Vivaldi, and Mozart.
Bartoli was born in Rome, Italy. She studied music at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, and made her professional debut in 1985, at the age of 19. She quickly gained international recognition for her performances in Baroque operas, and has since become one of the world's most celebrated opera singers.
Bartoli has sung at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Vienna State Opera. She has also performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic.
In addition to her opera performances, Bartoli has also released a number of solo albums, which have all been met with critical acclaim. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Solo, which she won in 1993, 1994, and 1996.
Bartoli is a highly versatile singer, and her repertoire spans from the Baroque era to the present day. She is known for her ability to bring out the beauty and drama of the music she sings, and her performances are always met with rapturous applause.
Other famous mezzo sopranos include:
* Anne Sofie von Otter
* Elina Garanca
* Joyce DiDonato
* Susan Graham
* Jennifer Larmore
* Denyce Graves
* Ewa Podleś
* Christa Ludwig
* Janet Baker
* Shirley Verrett