Ernesto Nicolini French opera singer, tenor Date of Birth: 23.02.1834 Country: France

1. Early Life and Training
2. Professional Debut and Early Success
3. International Renown
4. Collaboration with Adelina Patti
5. Personal Life and Scandal
6. Later Career and Retirement

Early Life and Training

Ernest Nicolas, who later adopted the stage name Ernesto Nicolini, was born in Saint Malo, France. He studied music and vocal performance at the prestigious Paris Conservatory.

Professional Debut and Early Success

Nicolini made his professional debut in 1857 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, singing the role of Les mousquetaires de la reine by Jacques-François-Fromental-Élie Halévy. He continued to hone his skills in Italy and made his debut at La Scala in Milan in 1859 as Alfredo in Giuseppe Verdi's La traviata.

International Renown

After returning to Italy, Nicolini joined the Théâtre-Italien in Paris, where he performed for seven years. In 1866, he made his debut at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in London as Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, but achieved limited success.

Collaboration with Adelina Patti

Nicolini's career took a significant turn when he began performing alongside the renowned soprano Adelina Patti in 1874-1875. They toured together extensively, performing in opera houses across Europe and building a successful partnership on and off the stage.

Personal Life and Scandal

In 1866, Nicolini and Patti married, causing a scandal as Patti had left her first husband for him. Their marriage lasted until Patti's death in 1919.

Later Career and Retirement

Nicolini continued to perform with Patti until her retirement in 1895. He made his final stage appearance in 1897 as Almaviva in Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia. Nicolini passed away the following year in Pau, France.