At the age of 13, most budding young musicians are perhaps starting a new instrument, or preparing for their Grade Four AMEB exam. At the same age, Canberra-born boy soprano Antonio de la Torre has already recorded his first album, Primero.

Antonio de la Torre

Antonio de la Torre. Photo supplied

After beginning voice lessons at the age of nine, de la Torre’s star rose rapidly. He earned a role in Opera Australia’s 2020 production of Carmen with conductor Chris Badea, and a professional engagement with the Llewellyn Choir and Sinfonia’s production of Fauré’s Requiem. He subsequently won international singing competitions in the US, Singapore and Germany, and had his stunning recording of Schubert’s Ave Maria used by the Irish crime drama Hidden Assets. This year, he’s only added to his impressive list of accolades, having recorded and released an album of beloved art songs, ranging from operatic arias to some of de la Torre’s personal favourites.

“Many of them of were songs that I had already sung or learnt for board exams”, he tells Limelight. “Schubert’s Ave Maria is my grandmother’s favourite and also my Dad’s favourite. I also learnt Suo...