Domenico Cannizzaro Resume

      Cannizzaro was born Melbourne, Australia, to Italian parents who immigrated from Giardini-Naxos, Sicily. Cannizzaro divided his time between a thrill-seeking career in the Victoria Police Force and the dangerous world of Opera. Juggling singing with law enforcement earned him the unique position of the real “Singing Detective”.
One of his most daring escapades was his involvement in the Hoddle Street Shooting where a gunman callously shot 26 people and killing 7. During this
rampage, Cannizzaro risked his life to save others. The gunman eventually gave himself up and is currently in prison. As a result of Cannizzaro's role in this massacre, The Royal Humane Society of Australasia awarded Cannizzaro with a bravery award, which was presented to him by the Governor of Victoria at Government House.
Cannizzaro thrived with this double life, and if this wasn't enough, he was also training in the deadly martial art of Foot and Fist Boxing where he eventually attained his black belt and began instructing. He became the Vice President of the Australian Foot and Fist Boxing Association.
Cannizzaro's singing career became increasingly successful with ongoing singing engagements pressing him to choose between Law and Opera. He was soon in demand for radio interviews and television appearances as well as numerous concert performances.
His voice displays a dazziling and unusual versatility of colour which gives him the rare tenor quality that enables Cannizzaro to sing roles in both dramatic and lyrical style. Critics have praised his performances in leading roles such as La Boheme, Carmen, Romeo et Juliette, L'Elsir d'Amore, Cavalleria Rusticana, The Impressario, La Traviata, Tosca and many more.
A nation-wide search was conducted to find a suitable tenor to portray the role of “Anthony Candolino”, the dashing young character in the award winning play, Master Class. The panel could go no further than Cannizzaro, whose smouldering dark looks fitted the part perfectly. His voice was acclaimed by audience and critics alike. It was becoming obvious that singing would be Cannizzaro's profession of choice, and much to the disappointment of the Police Heirarchy he made the decision to quit the Force.
Cannizzaro and his lovely wife, pianist/composer Aurora Muratti, relocated to Rome from where he has launched his singing career on the European scene. The rich musical culture of Italy with its tradition of great singers and flavoursome songs is the natural setting for Cannizzaro, with his Sicilian background.
The Italian musical world has opened its arms to this Italo-Australian tenor. Opportunity unfolded with a commission to write an original work for solo tenor and orchestra, to be performed at the gala of the “Isle of Cinema” Film Festival on the Tiber River in Rome. Cannizzaro and his wife Aurora wrote “La Nave dei Sogni” for the occasion. Cannizzaro was accompanied by the reknowned Santa Cecilia Orchestra of Rome. The performance was a huge success.
Cannizzaro began working with the famous Italian soprano Luisa Malagrida who became his mentor. Working with Malagrida, Cannizzaro explored vocal technique to new heights which allowed his skills to take on sensational new dimensions. His dynamic lyrical sound and his unique qualities in expressive pianissimo passages took on a new meaning, and displayed expolsive artistic and technical results.
For his outstanding humane and musical contribution, Cannizzaro was awarded the Certificate of Merit for the honorary title of “Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.”
In his pursuit of fine singing, Cannizzaro is continuing his research and performing to audiences around the world.
Updated:  October 16, 2011

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