This site has been created with the deepest respect as a memorial to the great tenor Sergio Franchi. As fans, let's show our support by leaving a comment. Help to keep his music alive... and cherished.
Italian-American singer Sergio Franchi was born in Cremona, Italy, 1926.
Although he sang opera in Italy as a young man, Sergio Franchi did not pursue an operatic career. After appearing on a British TV show in 1962, conductor Norman Luboff was so impressed with Franchi that he had him record two songs that were sent to RCA Victor in the USA. He was immediately signed and billed as "The Brilliant New Tenor From Italy."
With his good looks, charm, and magnificent voice, Sergio became an overnight sensation in America. He performed regularly on the most popular television shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Red Skelton Show, and The Julie Andrews Hour. In 1965 he also appeared on Broadway in Rodger and Sondheim's "Do I Hear a Waltz?".
By 1969 he starred in Stanley Kramer's comedy "The Secret of Santa Vittoria", with Anthony Quinn and Anna Magnani. That same year he was signed for a two year engagement at the popular Flamingo Room in Las Vegas.
During his career Sergio was a generous supporter of the arts and various charitable organizations such as Boy's Town4 in Italy and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). For his efforts he received the highest award from Boy's Town, the Michelangelo Award, and the title of Cavaliere (Stella al merito del lavoro) from the Government of Italy posthumously in 2001.
Sergio became an American citizen in 1972. Sadly, he succumbed to cancer on May 1, 1991. In 1993 his widow, Eva Franchi, started the Sergio Franchi Music Foundation.
The Sergio Franchi Memorial Concert has been named one of "New England's most loved musical events" with over 4000 expected attendees on the 250 acre Sergio Franchi Estate, surrounded by ancient stone walls and it's 100 year old maple trees keep this day a setting of a social garden party, and the social "place to be" for it's faithful followers. Most eagerly spread out their carefully planned and prepared picnics, respecting Mrs. Franchi's only special request, that of her romantic vision and requests the dress code stay "Country Elegant".
Today's most talented young Tenors and Sopranos will be accompanied by a 42 piece symphony orchestra conducted by New York City Opera Company's conductor, Maestro Jeff Domoto. Through their magical voices, they will transform your hearts and lift your spirits to the world that only Classical Music, Romantic Love Songs and the most loved Operatic Arias could do....the very music that Sergio Franchi was known for.
Eva is lovingly carrying on Sergio's tradition of assisting young and aspiring singers to follow their dreams.
Sergio's best albums have been re-released onto CD's!!
Click Amazon to review albums available.