Mariana Altamira

Language: Spanish

Mariana Altamira, an Argentine-Italian soprano of notable acclaim, was born in Buenos Aires. The daughter of an architect father and a violinist mother, she embarked on her musical journey at the tender age of 3, studying piano under the tutelage of Bela Ujvari, a protégé of Walter Gieseking. Her piano education continued with Madame Tosi de Gelber, mother and former instructor of the esteemed Bruno Gelber. At 14, Mariana made her debut as a soloist with the Buenos Aires Youth Orchestra.

Her formal education in “Music and Performing Arts, Dance and Piano” was undertaken at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. Upon her admittance to the Higher Institute of Art of the Teatro Colón, Mariana devoted herself entirely to vocal and operatic training, culminating in her graduation as a concert pianist and professional opera singer. Her passion for the piano remained a constant throughout her career.

In 1987, Mariana performed in Menotti’s “La Medium” alongside Regine Crespin, taking on the role of Monica. This performance was later released as a ‘live’ recording in France. Her remarkable talent was recognized with the First Prize at the Colón Theater Competition in 1988 and the “Best Female Voice” Award from the Verdiana Association of Buenos Aires in 1989.

Mariana’s international career spans performances in France, the United States, and Italy. She participated in master classes in the United States (New York, West Palm Beach, Los Angeles) and Italy (Rome, Fiesole, Florence) with luminaries such as Plácido Domingo and Renata Scotto. She also attended a seminar on Rossini’s music and style under Maestro Claudio Desderi at the Accademia Santa Cecilia in Rome and the Soriano nel Cimino Opera Interpretation Course led by Maestro Mauro Trombetta.

Her skills extend to choral preparation, having studied vocal technique with the Subiaco Choir (Rome), Rocca Santo Stefano (Rome), and the Evangelical Choir of Fidene (Rome). With the Bela Bartok Ensemble of Rome, she performed numerous concerts focusing on 20th-century music.

Mariana’s performances in Italy with esteemed orchestras have been for prestigious institutions including the State Discotheque, Vatican Radio, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, and various municipalities. Notably, at the Santa Cecilia Auditorium in Rome, she performed as a soloist in Ginastera’s “Cantata para América Mágica.”

Since 2005, she has served as the Musical Advisor to Vatican Radio, creating twelve programs dedicated to Classical Music, Opera, and Argentine Poetry. She furthered her studies at the Bologna Philharmonic Academy and has been the President of the María Rosa Coccia Artistic and Musical Academy of Rome since 2006.

Mariana’s repertoire spans over 35 operas and numerous symphonic-choral compositions. Her ongoing research led to the 2009 world premiere of Maria Rosa Coccia’s Cantata “Il Trionfo di Aeneas” with the Petrassi Orchestra of Zagarolo. She continues to prepare for concerts focusing on the works of Maria Rosa Coccia, with performances scheduled in Rome, Genazzano, and Olevano Romano. Her recent performances include Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle and Mozart’s Requiem in various cities.

In 2013, she was the soprano soloist for Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater in Olevano Romano and Verdi’s Requiem in Rome. The following year, she performed as Amelia in Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera and Micaela in Bizet’s Carmen with the European Philharmonic Orchestra. She also performed the “Guadalupe Mass” by Venus Rey Jr. in Europe as a solo soprano.

Her 2014 schedule included several concerts in Castel di Tora and Olevano Romano, featuring selections from Aida and Ballo in Maschere. The Palazzo Braschi in Rome hosted her Christmas and New Year concerts with “Il Tabarro” and “Troubadour.” In October 2015, she performed the “Symphony” by Mexican composer Venus King Jr. before His Holiness Pope Francesco and again presented the “Guadalupe Mass” in December.

Mariana Altamira’s illustrious career is a testament to her dedication to the arts and her exceptional talent as a soprano, pianist, and educator.

Awards

Best Lyrical Artist Season 1990 of the Teatro Colon Verdian Association of Buenos Aires.

Gold Medal of the Maison des Artistes Associations of Rome
Italy Award 2023. Associazione ESSE

Award for Commitment in Art, in Society Associazione ESSE
Appointment of Representation of Italian Opera in the World by the Ministry of Made in Italy and Enterprises.

Titles

Professional Lyrical Artist of the Higher Institute of Art of the Teatro Colon of Buenos Aires
Academic of the Royal Philharmonic Academy of Bologna