The 41-year-old friar, whose singing journey has been both exquisite and painful, is no stranger to the international stage.
Known by many as the Voice of Assisi, his rich tenor voice has been heard in cathedrals and concert halls throughout Europe, the UK and the USA.
Alessandro lives in the Umbrian town of Assisi, the birthplace and resting place of St Francis of Assisi, who founded the Franciscan order and is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
Alessandro resides at the friary next to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (St Mary of the Angels), which stands on the plains of Assisi.
Despite numerous requests to sing internationally, Alessandro’s schedule is carefully managed to allow him as much time as possible in Assisi.
He can often be seen and heard playing the organ and singing at the early morning Mass in the Basilica or at Vespers.
Alessandro began studying the organ when he was a young boy growing up in a village not far from Assisi.
Although he wanted to sing, he was always told that his voice was “tiny”.
After seeing a film about St Francis, he decided he wanted to join the Franciscan Order.
However, he also wanted to obtain a diploma in music, in case his life as a friar did not work out.
He studied and trained for a long time, until suddenly, his stunning operatic voice emerged.
The young friar passed his music exams and continued on his journey to join the Order.
But it was a journey plagued by doubt – was this the right choice for someone so young?
Alessandro went into hermitage, a three-year period in which he “sung and wept” every day.
By the time he was ready to re-enter the friary in 2005, his singing voice was palpably filled with the love he sings about.
After singing in a small church in 2011, Alessandro was encouraged to audition with a manager.
The manager was impressed and presented Alessandro to Decca Records, who were similarly stunned at the self-doubting friar and his miraculous voice.
Decca Records found the friar to be an extraordinary tenor, with a warm and velvety voice.
He went on to become the first friar to land a deal with a major record label – Universal Music Group.
“I worried that this was too big a project for me but I also felt that this had happened for a reason, maybe a mission, maybe through God,” Alessandro said.
In 2012, he found himself in the historic Abbey Road recording studio, making his first album Voice of Assisi.
In 2013, the friar recorded another album of sacred songs, Voice of Joy.
In accordance with his religious vows, Alessandro does not accept monetary compensation for his music.
All proceeds are given to the Order of Friars Minor, a registered charity that assists Franciscan charity activities around the world.
In December, Alessandro will board his longest flight ever, when he heads to Sydney to sing at the opening night of this year’s The Lights of Christmas.
He will be joined by Australian international concert pianist, Vivian Choi, who will return from New York for the event, and the Artes Christi Choir and Orchestra.
