Clarissa Leonardi
Mezzosoprano
Born in Polistena in 1993, Clarissa Leonardi is an artist of dual musical talent, establishing herself on the international opera scene as one of the most interesting mezzo-soprano voices of her generation. Her artistic journey began at the age of seven with the study of classical guitar under the guidance of M° Romolo Calandruccio. She won several international guitar competitions. Subsequently, she cultivated a passion for opera singing, graduating in 2015 from the Vibo Valentia Conservatory with highest honors, praise, and an honorable mention. From her early years of study, she attracted the attention of international critics, placing among the finalists of the "Magda Olivero" Competition and winning third prize at the prestigious 19° Internationaler Gesangswettbewerb "Ferruccio Tagliavini" in Austria, as well as the "Mietta Sighele" scholarship at the "Riccardo Zandonai" Competition. She treads the stages of the most important Italian and foreign theatres. Over the course of her career, she collaborates with world-renowned conductors and directors.
Among her most prestigious milestones are her interpretation of the role of Carmen at the Teatro Dante Alighieri in Ravenna and in Ferrara, directed by Luca Micheletti, and her collaboration with M° Riccardo Muti, who conducted her in the role of Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana in 2020. Later she performed Maddalena in Rigoletto under the direction of conductors Carminati and Guidarini, Flora Bervoix in La Traviata with Daniel Oren, and Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana with Battistoni and Armiliato.
She made her debut at the Teatro Filarmonico in Verona in 2015 as Lola in Cavalleria rusticana, and returned in 2016 for Maddalena in Rigoletto and for the Easter Concert. In the same year she made her debut at the Arena as Mercedes in Carmen (a role she reprised in 2018 and 2019) and Flora Bervoix in La Traviata (to which she returned in 2019, 2021 and 2026). In 2021 she was in Cavalleria rusticana and in 2023 in the cast of Madama Butterfly.
Biography updated to July 2026
