Carlo Colombara
An exploration of the acclaimed Italian operatic bass, his distinguished career, and significant contributions to the world of classical music.
Discover His Journey 👇 Explore His Recordings 🎶Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
Biography
Early Life and Training
Carlo Colombara was born in Bologna, Italy, on August 7, 1964. His musical journey began at the age of twelve with piano studies. By fifteen, he commenced his vocal training under the tutelage of Paride Venturi in Bologna. His dedication and talent were recognized early on.
Early Accolades
Colombara's burgeoning career was marked by significant early achievements. In 1986, he secured the prize for the best Italian singer at the G.B. Viotti competition. The following year, he further distinguished himself by winning the prestigious As.Li.Co. competition in Milan.
Professional Debut and Major Stages
His professional debut occurred as Silva in Giuseppe Verdi's opera Ernani at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. He has since graced the stages of the world's most renowned opera houses, including La Scala in Milan, the Vienna State Opera, the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, the Arena di Verona, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
International Performances
Colombara's career has been marked by notable international performances. He performed in an open-air production of Giacomo Puccini's Turandot in the Forbidden City, Beijing, conducted by Zubin Mehta, which was broadcast globally. He has also sung in major venues such as the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires and the Opéra Bastille in Paris.
Collaborations and Notable Roles
He has collaborated with numerous esteemed conductors, including Riccardo Chailly, Colin Davis, Carlo Maria Giulini, Lorin Maazel, Zubin Mehta, Riccardo Muti, and Giuseppe Sinopoli. In recent years, he has expanded his repertoire, debuting in roles such as Mefistofele, Escamillo in Carmen, Don Pasquale, and the bass roles in Les contes d'Hoffmann and Don Giovanni. He also notably debuted as Scarpia in Puccini's Tosca.
Awards and Recognition
A Career Honored
Carlo Colombara's exceptional contributions to opera have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. These accolades underscore his consistent excellence and impact on the international music scene.
Discography
Recorded Performances
Carlo Colombara's extensive discography spans numerous recordings on compact disc (CD) and digital versatile disc (DVD), capturing his powerful performances across a wide range of operatic works and recitals. These recordings are available through various labels and have been featured in radio and television broadcasts worldwide.
Recitals (CD)
- Daemons & Angels; Vladimir Ghiaurov, Bulgarian National Symphony Orchestra (Kicco Classic 2010)
- Opera Arias; G. Rath, Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana (Bongiovanni 2003)
- Musica proibita; Richard Barker, piano (Bongiovanni 2005)
- Rencontres - mélodies françaises; Rani Calderon, piano (Dynamic 2008)
- Colombara, Great Opera Scenes; PO Graz (Decca 2015)
Operas (CD)
- Bellini: La sonnambula; Evelino Pidò, N. Dessay, F. Meli (Virgin Records 2007)
- Donizetti: La favorite; M. Viotti, V. Kasarova, R. Vargas (BMG 1999)
- Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor; Z. Mehta, M. Devia, J. Bros (Foné 1998)
- Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor; S. Ranzani, M. Devia, R. Bruson (La Voce 2005)
- Handel: Rinaldo; J. Fischer, M. Horne, C. Gasdia (Nuova Era 1988)
- Ponchielli: La Gioconda; D. Renzetti, A. Gruber, M. Berti (Dynamic S.r.l. 2006)
- Puccini: La bohème; G. Gelmetti, D. Dessì, G. Sabbatini (EMI 1991)
- Puccini: Turandot; Z. Mehta, G. Casolla, B. Frittoli (BMG 1997)
- Rossini: Stabat Mater; P. Morandi, Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra (Naxos Records 1998)
- Verdi: I masnadieri; W. Gönnenwein, M. Rowland, M. Malagnini (Bayern Records)
- Verdi: Il trovatore; S. Mercurio, V. Villaroel, E. Zaremba (Decca Records 2004)
- Verdi: Requiem; C. Davis, C. Vaness (RCA Records 1990)
- Verdi: Requiem; P. Morandi, Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra (Naxos Records 1996)
- Verdi: Requiem; Y. Temirkanov, St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra (Signum Classic 2009)
- Verdi: Requiem; H. Rilling, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR (Hänssler 2010)
- Verdi: Simon Boccanegra; G. Solti, L. Nucci, K. Te Kanawa (Decca Records 1989)
- Verdi: Simon Boccanegra; M. Zanetti, Hampson, J. Calleja (Decca Records 2013)
- Verdi: Aida; Z. Mehta, K. Lewis, A. Bocelli (Decca Records 2016)
- Gounod: Faust; V. Matvejeff, A. Farasin, M. Tepponen (Naxos 2019)
- Verdi: Attila; A. Sisillo, V. Stoyanov, S. Kasyan (Realsound 2021)
Recitals (DVD)
- The art of the bass; V. Ghiaurov, G. Gyorivanyi-Rath (Naxos 2012)
Operas (DVD)
- Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor; S. Ranzani, M. Devia, R. Bruson (Fonit Cetra 1994)
- Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor; S. Ranzani, M. Devia, R. Bruson (La Voce 2005)
- Ponchielli: La Gioconda; D. Renzetti, A. Gruber, M. Berti (Dynamic S.r.l. 2006)
- Ponchielli: La Gioconda; (Gran Teatre del Liceu) (TDK 2006)
- Puccini: Turandot; Z. Mehta, G. Casolla, B. Frittoli (BMG 1997)
- Verdi: Requiem; D. Oren, L. Pavarotti (RAI Video 1996)
- Verdi: Aida; D. Licata, G. Giacomini, A. Millo (RAI Video 1993)
- Verdi: Jérusalem; Michel Plasson (RAI Video 2000)
- Verdi: Macbeth; Riccardo Muti (RAI Video 1998)
- Verdi: Nabucco; P. Carignani, R. Bruson (RAI Video 1996)
- Verdi: Nabucco; D. Oren, M. Guleghina, L. Nucci (Decca Records 2007)
External Resources
Further Information
Explore additional resources for more insights into Carlo Colombara's career and performances.
- Official Website (opens in new tab)
- Arena Verona Biography (opens in new tab) (Archived)
- Bluarte Interview (opens in new tab)
- Savonlinna Opera Festival Interview (opens in new tab)
- Streamopera.com Profile (opens in new tab)

