Francesco Cilea was an Italian composer and music teacher, born on July 26, 1866, in Palmi, Calabria. He is best known for his operas, particularly Adriana Lecouvreur, which premiered in 1902 and remains one of his most celebrated works. Cilea's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies and rich orchestration, reflecting the late Romantic style. In addition to his operatic contributions, Cilea was also a prominent educator. He taught at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi in Milan and influenced many young musicians. His dedication to music education helped shape the future of Italian classical music in the 20th century.