For the last few years, Vittorio Prato has become one of the most promising baritones in opera.

He has specialized in the bel canto repertory, singing leading roles in Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini operas, as well as Mozart. However, in recent times, he has slowly moved into verismo roles.

He has also sung in many of the leading theaters in the world, including the Staatsoper in Berlin, Liceu in Barcelona, Opéra de Lyon, La Monnaie in Brussells, and Teatro dell’Opera in Rome. This season, he has toured around Japan and Italy, performing some of his signature Mozart roles.

This week he continues expanding his horizons, adding not only a new role but a new house debut.

Prato will make his first appearance at the Staatsoper Hamburg where he will take on the role of Lescaut in Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut.” The debut will take place during the company’s annual Italian week where the company dedicates its repertoire to the Italian works and where some of the biggest stars take part.

For Prato, this role marks his second Puccini opera after performing Marcello in “La Bohème” all over the world. His voice and acting has been praised by critics as “virile and agile both vocally and dramatically.” He has also been praised for his beautiful timbre and elegance on stage.

For those not in the audience in Hamburg, Prato returns to the Teatro Comunale di Bologna for one of his signature roles, Silvio in “Pagliacci.”

Recordings 

For audiences who have yet to hear Prato’s voice, he is featured in a number of recordings, including the world premiere recording of Bellini’s “Bianca e Gernando” and Rossini’s “La Gazza Ladra.” 

Here is Prato performing alongside Anna Caterina Antonacci in “Il segreto di Susanna.”

And here in an aria from “I Puritani.”