Salvatore Fisichella

Salvatore Fisichella (born May 15, 1943 in Catania, Sicily) is an Italian operatic tenor known for his roles in bel canto operas, especially those of Rossini, Donizetti, and Bellini. He has been recognized for the ease and vocal brilliance of his singing, and for having sung more of the leading roles in Bellini's operas than any other 20th century tenor.

Fisichella began singing as a child at family get-togethers. He was interested in church music by the age of ten, and was schooled in music at the local seminary. He sang solos in church services and during small-scale musical productions for special occasions and festivals.

After leaving the seminary, Fisichella began secondary education, first at the liceo scientifico to study a science-based curriculum, then moving to study as a surveyor. During this time, he gave little serious thought to singing and his performances were limited to romanze and singsongs with friends and schoolmates. After he had successfully completed his secondary studies as a qualified surveyor, Fisichella was invited to the wedding of a client for whom he had drawn up the plans of his new home, and Fisichella filled in for the tenor who had been scheduled to perform.

At that time, Catania was home to a number of good singing teachers and Fisichella chose one who was considered to be both costly and demanding. Maria Gentile, the renowned Catanese soprano, set Fisichella to work for six years. During this time Fisichella listened to Mario del Monaco, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Franco Corelli, Carlo Bergonzi and Gianni Raimondi. At this time he began performing in small concerts arranged by Gentile.

After studying under Maria Gentile, Fisichella studied further in Rome under Ricci and Paoletti.

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