Razek-Francois Bitar

Syrian countertenor Razek François Bitar was born in Damascus and studied at both the University of Damascus (Philosophy) and at the Conservatoire Supérieur de Damas (Voice and Piano). Subsequent studies took him to the Conservatorio "N. Paganini" in Genoa (where he was awarded the final diploma with maximum honours) and the Conservatorio Santa Cecilia. He was awarded second prize in the Sacred Music Competition organised by the Accademia Culturale Europea in 2003. He now resides in Rome.

Syrian countertenor Razek François Bitar was born in Damascus and studied at both the University of Damascus (Philosophy) and at the Conservatoire Supérieur de Damas (Voice and Piano). Subsequent studies took him to the Conservatorio "N. Paganini" in Genoa (where he was awarded the final diploma with maximum honours) and the Conservatorio Santa Cecilia. He was awarded second prize in the Sacred Music Competition organised by the Accademia Culturale Europea in 2003. He now resides in Rome.

In the last two seasons (whilst still a student in Rome), engagements included the title role in Graham Vick's new production of Gluck ORFEO ED EURIDICE  in Ravenna, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Ferrara and Pisa (with the Orchestra Barocca di Bolzano, conducted by Claudio Astronio); Alcèo I GIUOCHI D'AGRIGENTO (Paisiello) at the Festival della Valle d'Itria (with the Orchestra Internazionale d'Italia under Giovanni Rigon); and Gelsomino L'UOMO FEMMINA (Galuppi) at the Festival Barocco di Viterbo and for Opera Aperta (with the Orchestra dell'Accademia della Libellula under Cinzia Pennesi). He has also sung Ramiro LA FINTA GIARDINIERA at the Teatro Gustavo Modena in Genoa and also in St. Malo (France). He made his debut last season at La Fenice as The Voice of Apollo DEATH IN VENICE.

In concert, he has collaborated with the Damascus Chamber Orchestra and the Syrian Symphony Orchestra as well as many other orchestras throughout France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Lebanon. Repertoire includes Pergolesi Stabat Mater and Salve Regina; the Stabat Mater and Gloria of Vivaldi; Handel Messiah and Jephtha; the Johannes Passion and B Minor Mass of J.S. Bach; the Mozart Requiem; the Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle; Mahler Kindertotenlieder; and Carmina Burana.

Recent highlights include Orfeo ORFEO ED EURIDICE in Martina Franca to critical acclaim and La Resurrezione by Handel for the Festival Barocco di Viterbo.