Francesco Araja

Full biography Francesco Araja

Francesco Domenico Araja, also known as Francesco Araia, was an Italian composer who spent 25 years of his career in Russia. He was born on June 25, 1709, in Naples, Italy. Araja is credited with introducing Italian opera to Russia, where he wrote at least 14 operas for the Russian Imperial Court.

Araja's most notable works include the operas "Cleopatra e Cesare," "Artaserse," and "Semiramide riconosciuta." His operas were known for their grandeur and sophistication , and they played a significant role in the development of Russian opera.

Araja arrived in Russia in 1735, where he quickly became a favorite among the Russian aristocracy. He was appointed as the court composer and kapellmeister to Empress Anna Ioannovna, a position he held until her death in 1740.

Following Anna's death, Araja served under her successor, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, who was also a patron of the arts. Elizabeth continued to support Araja's work, commissioning him to write several operas for the Imperial Court.

Araja's influence on Russian music was significant, and he was a precursor to many other Italian composers who later came to Russia to write operas. He died in 1770 in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he had spent the majority of his career.