Lend me an Italian tenor

Rome Opera has launched a young artist programme in a bid to address the lack of Italian singers – tenors most particularly. It’s not just talent that’s lacking; it’s looks – and application.

Elisabeth Braw reports on the shortage in this week’s Economist:

Ernesto Palacio, a Peruvian tenor and veteran artist manager, has noticed the change during several decades living in Italy. “There are good voices in Italy,” he says, “but many of them think a good voice is enough and don’t want to learn the other aspects such as acting.” With the proliferation of opera simulcasts, opera singers are expected to act well and look good too. Despite his glorious voice, Pavarotti may not have made the cut today.

Read the full article here.