Ruggero Raimondi

Ruggero Raimondi, born on October 3, 1941, in Bologna, Italy, is an acclaimed Italian bass-baritone and actor renowned for his commanding stage presence and powerful voice, which earned him international fame across opera houses, television, and film. Encouraged early on by conductor Francesco Molinari-Pradelli, he trained at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan and refined his craft in Rome under Teresa Pediconi and Armando Piervenanzi. His breakthrough came when he won the National Competition for young opera singers, leading to his debut as Colline in La Bohème in Spoleto. Raimondi quickly became a fixture in major opera venues, making notable debuts at La Scala (Turandot, 1968), the Metropolitan Opera (Ernani, 1970), and Covent Garden (Simon Boccanegra, 1972). Best known for roles in Mozart and Verdi operas, Ruggero Raimondi captivated audiences in Don Giovanni—notably in Joseph Losey’s iconic 1979 film—as well as Carmen, Don Carlos, and Boris Godunov. His collaborations include cinematic productions like Francesco Rosi’s Carmen (1984) and televised performances of Tosca and Così fan tutte. In addition to his rich recording catalog, he ventured into directing, further cementing his legacy as a multifaceted artist. Raimondi’s illustrious career spans decades, marked by his extraordinary artistry and enduring impact on the operatic world.

Please enable Javascript to view this page competely.