(Lima, Peru. 1946) Director and artistic agent. Was one of the most important Tenore di grazia of his time. Having an agile and powerful voice, also noted for his line of singing and acting in Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Mozart and Cimarosa repertories.
Ernesto Palacio started his singing studies in Milan and debuted in 1972 playing the Lindoro role in L’Italiana in Algeri. His artistic career was developed in prestigious stages as Teatro alla Scala, Metropolitan Opera House, Covent Garden in London, Liceo in Barcelona, San Carlo in Napoles, Opera di Roma, La Fenice di Venecia, the Opernhaus in Zurich, the Monnaie, in Bruselas, among others. Also he made presentations in South-american theatres as Colón in Buenos Aires, Municipal in Santiago de Chile, Teresa Carreño in Caracas and Municipal at Lima, Peru, where he took part in many seasons by Fupal and Prolirica.
In addition to his work as tenor, with his dedication to musical investigation it was possible to rescue important works that remained forgotten and could be recorded in recordings.
Palacio made several recordings of which we highlight L’Italiana in Algeri, with Marilyn Horne; Maometto II, accompanied by June Anderson and Samuel Ramey, conducted by Claudio Scimone; Turco in Italia with Samuel Ramey and Montserrat Caballé conducted by Riccardo Chailly; Mosé in Egitto with June Anderson and Ruggero Raimondi; among others.
The tenor retired from stage by the late 90s, but continues linking the opera as artistic agent from important singers being Juan Diego Flórez one of his main constituents. He was recognized by Peruvian Government as Regent of the Order for Distinguished Services. He contributes with prestigious theatres as the Real de Madrid and Palau de las Artes of Valencia preparing young artists. He is member of juries in different singing contests.
Furthermore, Ernesto Palacio is the artistic director and founder of the International Opera Festival Alejandro Granda the most important opera event in South America, featuring first class singers, and the most outstanding productions in the region.