(Credit: Franco Lannino)

On June 14, Simone Piazzola will take the stage of the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos in Lisbon for the very first time marking the Italian baritone’s Portugese debut and his first live performance since the pandemic.

Piazzola will sing the role of Carlo in “Ernani,” a role that he has performed at the Teatro alla Scala, Teatro Massimo di Palermo and Teatro Principal in Spain.

Critics have raved about his portrayal stating, “by the time he reached ‘Lo vedremo, veglio audace’ his velvet baritone was purring. Don Carlo is the only three-dimensional character in the plot and his cavatina ‘Oh, de’ verd’anni miei’ was sung with grace and nobility.”

In a statement, Piazzola noted, “After a year of concerts in streaming, it will be beautiful to embrace my public.”

Born in Verona, Piazzola won second prize in Operalia in 2013 and has performed at the most important opera companies in the world including the Royal Opera House, Paris Opéra, Teatro Real de Madrid, Berlin State Opera, Teatro La Fenice, Semperoper Dresden, Arena di Verona, Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, Valencia, and Baden-Baden. He has made Verdi and Verismo central in his repertoire as well as Donizetti and Bellini.

Following his performances in Lisbon, Piazzola will be at the Arena di Verona for “Aida.”

Recordings 

Piazzola can be seen on several recordings including “Atilla” from Palermo, “La Traviata” from Baden Baden, and “Don Carlo” from Modena.

Here he is in “La Traviata.”

Here is Piazzola in “Ernani.”