Maria Luigia Borsi (born 1973) is an Italian opera singer.[1] A
lyric soprano, she is especially known for interpreting operas by
Giacomo Puccini and
Giuseppe Verdi. Among the qualities noted by the critical press are her breath control, phrasing, rich tone, and acting ability.[2]
Education and vocal training
Maria Luigia Borsi was born in Sora (
Frosinone), Italy.[3] Her father is Tuscan (coming from the region of
Tuscany), while her mother comes from the Italian region known as the
Ciociaria, just south of
Rome. Borsi began her vocal studies at a very young age while singing in a choir for children, La Corale "Domenico Savio", created by Don Lelio Bausani and received a degree in vocal performance from the Istituto Musicale
Pietro Mascagni in
Livorno,
Italy.[4] Her main voice teachers have included Lucia Stanescu,
Antonietta Stella,
Renata Scotto and
Claudio Desderi.[5]
She is married to American violinist Brad Repp.[6]
Career
In 2002, Maria Luigia Borsi was the winner of the International Voice Competition of
San Remo, earning the title "Best opera singer of 2002" (The president of the jury was tenor
Andrea Bocelli).[7][8]
In 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2008 Borsi participated in tours of Asia, Australia, the United States and Europe together with tenor
Andrea Bocelli.[9][10][11][12][13]
In 2004, Borsi began her professional opera career at
La Scala of Milan interpreting the role of Liù in Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot, conductor
Carlo Rizzi.[14] Also in 2004, Borsi performed the title role in La traviata (Violetta) for the re-opening of the Venetian opera house
La Fenice, conductor
Lorin Maazel.[15][16]