Alessandro Giacomo Brustenghi, OFM (born 21 April 1978), better known asFriar Alessandro, is an ItalianFranciscan friar and atenor singer of religious music. He is also the firstreligious brother to land an exclusive record contract with a major record label, in this caseUniversal Music.[1]
Friar Alessandro's debut album is calledVoice from Assisi (in Italian La voce da Assisi or in FrenchLa voix d'Assise). It was released on 15 October 2012. The initial single is a double-A side release, the tracks "Panis Angelicus" and "Sancta Maria".[2] The first is the penultimatestrophe of the hymnSacris solemniis written by SaintThomas Aquinas for theFeast of Corpus Christi and the second is fromCavalleria rusticana.
Alessandro Brustenghi was born inPerugia, Italy. He started playing music at the age of 9, with a desire to be a percussionist. He started learning to play the piano and organ at 14. He also took part in choirs, but never as a lead singer. At 21, he joined theFranciscan order and sang at theBasilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli atAssisi,Italy where he worked as ajoiner-carpenter.
The friars first noticed his beautifultenor voice when he had to pass a vocal exam to enter the ministry.[3] Some of his recordings were introduced to Mike Hedges (producer toU2,Dido,The Cure,Manic Street Preachers amongst others) who, after hearing his voice, offered him to produce an album of sacred music, both traditional and contemporary, inAbbey Road Studios.[1]
To record the album, Friar Alessandro had to take a plane to London. This was the first time he traveled by air. In accordance with his religious vows, he does not travel far or accept monetary compensation to promote his album. He instead donates his share of proceeds to theOrder of Friars Minor, his Roman Catholic religious community around the world.[1]
| Year | Album | Charts | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR [4] | ||||
| 2012 | Voice from Assisi(international)
| 47 | Track list:
| |
| 2013 | Voice of Joy(international)
| 149 | Track list:
| |
| 2015 | Voice of Peace | Track list:
|
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
