Catania (Sicily -Italy) -November 3rd, 1801 - Puteaux (France) September 23rd, 1835

Bellini is a romantic music composer from a modest family background.
He was initiated to music by his grand-father who was a choirmaster at the head of the local cathedral.
He obtained a scholarship from the Town allowing him to join Naples' San Sebastiano Conservatory, directed at that time by Nicolò Zingarelli, in 1819.

During his studies, he presents his opera Adelson and Salvini at the Conservatory's theatre. With the recognition of his talent, he is asked to write Bianca e Gernando for the Teatro San Carlo in Naples which will be played from 1826 by Rubini, Labacle and Mrs Tosi.
It's such a success that the Teatro alla Scala of Milan ordered him I pirati in 1827. This new triumph will contribute to his worldwide reputation. He becomes friend with the poet Romani and the tenor Giovanni Rubini.

He stays in Milan and composes La Straniera in 1828. In 1829 Zaira is not a real success unlike his opera I Capuleti e i Montecchi. His reputation will cross borders and spread all over Europe thanks to his masterpieces La Somnambula and Norma in 1831. In 1833 he realizes Beatrice di Trenta in Venice.

With the encouragements of Rossini, he is asked to compose a new opera for the Parisian Theatre-Italien. Therefore he moves to Puteaux (France) and writes I Puritani which will be performed in 1835. A few days after the première, Vincenzo Bellini dies from intestinal tumor.

Bellini's life was short but still, full of success, as much with women as towards the public. He is one of the ambassador of the "Second Bel Canto" and a great author of melodies that inspired, among others, Frédéric Chopin.
Short before his death, he has been awarded the French "Légion d'honneur".