Cecilia Bartoli has been named Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

The mezzo-soprano was presented the honor by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella and was recognized for her extraordinary contribution to the dissemination of Italian culture and work in the world

In a statement, the mezzo wrote, “Italy is my country, the place where my passion for music was born and it has continued to inspire me throughout my journey. This recognition has deep meaning for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

Bartoli is one of the most famous mezzo-soprano in the world and has performed and is currently the director of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. This season she performs in Berlin, Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and Rome, among others.