Valeriano Pellegrini

Who was Valeriano Pellegrini?

Valeriano Pellegrini was an Italian soprano castrato singer of the 18th century. He is largely remembered today for his association with the composer George Frederic Handel, whom he sung for in Italy and then later followed to London. He sang the role of Nero in Handel's opera Agrippina at the work's initial run in Venice, a part which demanded a high level of technical skill.

His first performance in London was a concert at the Old Spring Garden in the April 1712, and during his time in London performed several roles in operas by Handel; among them Mirtillo in Il pastor fido, the title role in Teseo, and Lepidus in Silla. Having lost his voice in 1728, he retired from singing and became a priest.