In September 2022, Franc D’Ambrosio was awarded The Martinelli Prize, a gold medallion representing the highest recognition offered to Lucchesi who have distinguished themselves abroad in the fields of fashion, culture, music, entrepreneurship and the arts. Established in the early 1970s, the award recognizes Italians who bring attention and prestige to the city of Lucca and its citizens.
Participating in the award ceremony were Ilaria del Bianco, president of Associazione Lucchesi nel Mondo, and Lucca’s Mayor Mario Pardini along with the Archbishop and dignitaries representing the Province of Lucca and Chamber of Commerce.
D’Ambrosio studied and trained in Lucca early in his career and subsequently founded The Lorenzo Malfatti Vocal Academy there to educate American college students in the disciplines of opera and musical theatre.