Child genius Francesco Cilea, sent to study law at just seven years of age, became a celebrated composer in late-19th- and early-20th-century Italy. Among his most famous works are the operas Adriana Lecouvreur, L’arlesiana and Gina, and the symphonic poem Il canto della vita, which was written in 1913 for the centenary of Verdi’s birth. He was awarded membership of the Accademia d’Italia in recognition of his musical achievements.