Singer can take both sexes' roles
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A trainee opera singer has combined a sex change with a dramatic extension in her vocal range to gain admission into one of Italy's most prestigious music schools.
Emily De Salvo, formerly Stefano, was denied a place at the Tito Schipa Conservatory in Lecce three years ago when the admissions panel was not sure whether to place her among the male or female singers.
But after studying with baritone Maurizio Picconi and soprano Amelia Felle, 29-year-old De Salvo has convinced the conservatory that she has the potential to handle demanding roles from male baritones to female sopranos.
The young singer, who, according to the local Quotidiano Di Lecce newspaper, is still waiting for her gender reassignment surgery, yesterday thanked Felle for supporting her during the second audition. "She defended me against those who didn't want me," she said, before adding that she was proud to be the first transsexual to claim a conservatory place.
Now De Salvo says her unusual voice could help her claim a niche in opera buffa – the comic form that developed in Italy at the end of the Baroque period. "I've been exploring the Baroque repertoire," she said. "My vocal range is perfect for it."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments