Senesino

Senesino (Francesco Bernardi) (1690?-1750?) was a celebrated Italian opera-singer who worked for some time in London.

Having been engaged for the opera company formed by Handel in 1720, he remained there as principal singer until 1726, when the state of his health compelled him to return to Italy. In 1730 he again visited England, where he remained until about 1734. He was a contemporary of Farinelli. Interestingly, both Senesino and Farinelli were working in London at the same time, but they had not for some time the opportunity of hearing each other, in consequence of their engagements at different theatres. At last, however, they were both engaged to sing on the same stage.