Praised for ‘singing with a sense of enjoyment and freedom’ (Opera Wire, USA), Nicolò Balducci (b. 1999) is rapidly becoming one of the most highly regarded counter-tenors and sopranists of his generation, described as ‘a singer of a remarkably sweet sound and distinct vocal agility’ (Gramophone). After initial studies with soprano Anna Maria Stella Pansini and a Bachelor’s degree from the Conservatory of Matera, he earned a Master’s degree with honours in baroque singing at the Conservatory of Vicenza under the guidance of Professor Gemma Bertagnolli. Balducci has taken part in masterclasses related to the performance practice of early repertoire, attending the Accademia Vivaldi in Venice, the Stradella Festival in Viterbo and the Rodolfo Celletti Academy at the prestigious Valle d’Itria opera festival, which engaged him to perform in the opera Xerse by Francesco Cavalli, conducted by Federico Maria Sardelli and directed by Leo Muscato.
Nicolò Balducci has been awarded prizes at international competitions such as Niccolò Piccini Competition (first prize), Concorso Tommaso Traetta, VoceallOpera and Premio Fatima Terzo. In 2021 he performed the role of Oberto in Handel’s Alcina at the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza under the baton of Andrea Marcon, an opportunity he gained after winning the prize for youngest finalist at the Voci Olimpiche competition. In 2022 he won first prize and the prize for youngest finalist in the baroque section of the Renata Tebaldi Competition in San Marino and third prize and the young artist award at the Cesti Competition in Innsbruck.
