Leo Nucci (Castiglione dei Pepoli, 1942) is a Verdian baritone renowned for his expressive power, technical solidity, and extraordinary vocal longevity, which have made him one of the leading modern interpreters of Verdi’s great dramatic roles. He made his debut in 1967 at the Teatro Lirico Sperimentale in Spoleto as Figaro in Il
barbiere di Siviglia. After a period in the chorus of La Scala, he returned to a solo career and in 1977 made his La Scala debut again as Figaro.
In 1978 he sang at the Royal Opera House in Luisa Miller, and in 1980 he performed at the Opéra de Paris alongside Luciano Pavarotti in Un ballo in maschera. In 1987 he took part in the film-opera Macbeth, presented at the Cannes Film Festival, and in 1989 he sang at the Salzburg Festival under the direction of Herbert von Karajan.
In the 1990s he was frequently at the Arena di Verona in Nabucco and Rigoletto. In 2001, marking the centenary of Verdi’s death, he took part in international productions in Zurich, Vienna, Paris, and Parma, where he was also conducted by Zubin Mehta. He returned several times to the Arena di Verona, and in 2008 he appeared at La Scala in Macbeth and Gianni Schicchi. In 2011 he performed Nabucco*at the Opera di Roma for the 150th anniversary of Italian unification.
His repertoire includes major Verdian roles as well as Puccini roles and works by Donizetti, Giordano, and Cilea.