Cecilia Bartoli receives Grand Officer honor from Italian President

Mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli has been appointed Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. The honor was presented by President Sergio Mattarella on October 3, 2026, at the Hôtel Hermitage in Monaco.

The ceremony occurred during Mattarella’s state visit to the Principality, marking the first time an Italian head of state has visited Monaco. The decoration follows a concert performed by Bartoli at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, where she led Les Musiciens du Prince under the direction of Gianluca Capuano. The event was attended by Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène, and Princess Carolina of Hanover.

Bartoli, who has directed the Opéra de Monte-Carlo since January 2023, was recognized for her international career and her efforts in rediscovering Italian musical heritage, particularly in the baroque and bel canto repertoires. She previously participated in the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Italian Republic.