The Associazione Internazionale Culturale Musicale “Ettore Bastianini” has announced that Ludovic Tézier will receive the 2026 Premio Bastianini.

Tézier will receive the prize on Sept. 26, 2026 at the Foyer “Ettore Bastianini” del Teatro dei Rinnovati di Siena, in the city where Ettore Bastianini was born.

The award will be presented to Tézier in recognition of his distinguished international career and, specifically, his affinity for the great Italian repertoire, encompassing Verdi and beyond. The citation highlights the French baritone’s ability to tackle the most iconic roles with authority and a profound attention to the dramatic text and phrasing, alongside a vocal line characterized by “lkegato,” a burnished timbre, poise, and expressive elegance. These are qualities that, in the Association’s view, create an ideal link between him and the figure and artistry of Ettore Bastianini.

Throughout the years the French baritone has performed at the world’s greatest theaters including Paris Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Staatsoper Berlin, Bayerische Staatsoper,  Arena di Verona, and Royal Opera House, among others.

The Premio Bastianini Prize was first awarded in 2017 and is given every two years. Previous winners include Simone Piazzola, Nicola Alaimo, Luca Salsi, Dmitri Hvorostovsky in memory, and Amartuvshin Enkhbat.