Francesco Cilea (July 26, 1866 – November 20, 1950) was an Italian opera composer. Born in Palmi near Reggio Calabria, Francesco Cilea gave early indication of an aptitude for music when at the age of four he heard a performance of Bellini's Norma and was greatly affected by it. He was sent to study music at the Conservatorio San Pietro a Maiella in Naples, where he quickly demonstrated his diligence and precocious talent, earning a gold medal from the Ministero della Pubblica Istruzione (Department of education).

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