Famous Italian Soprano Singers

Cecilia Bartoli is an Italian opera singer and recitalist. A coloratura mezzo-soprano, Bartoli is renowned for her interpretations of the works of popular composers like Mozart, Bellini, Handel, and Vivaldi. Also known for her versatility, Cecilia Bartoli can sing both mezzo and soprano roles. She is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including Grammy Awards.

Mirella Freni was an Italian operatic soprano who appeared at famous international opera houses over the course of her career, which spanned 50 years. Mirella Freni achieved international fame at the popular Glyndebourne Festival, where she performed as Adina in L'elisir d'amore and as Zerlina in Don Giovanni.

Renata Tebaldi was an Italian lirico-spinto soprano. Regarded as one of the 20th century's greatest opera singers, Tebaldi is best remembered for her performances at popular opera houses like San Carlo, La Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera. Renata Tebaldi was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including a Grammy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Renata Scotto is an Italian singer and opera director. Best known for her musicality and her sense of style, Scotto is regarded as one of the leading singers of her generation. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Anton Coppola Award and two Emmys. Renata Scotto has been working as a teacher since her retirement as a perfomer.

Adelina Patti was an Italian opera singer who achieved immense poularity in the USA and Europe. One of the finest singers of her generation, Patti was also among the highest-paid at the peak of her career. Along with her near contemporaries Thérèse Tietjens and Jenny Lind, Adelina Patti is considered one of the most popular sopranos of all time.

Italian coloratura soprano Amelita Galli-Curci was a celebrated operatic-singer of the 20th-century whose recordings sold in great numbers. She garnered acclaim in Italy following her operatic debut 1906. For several years, Galli-Curci toured extensively in Europe, Russia and South America and later bolstered her career in the US working with Chicago Opera Association, Victor Talking Machine Company and Metropolitan Opera.     

Katia Ricciarelli is an Italian singer and actress. She has performed at major American and European opera houses, such as the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House. Apart from her opera performances, Ricciarelli has also appeared in many films; she is best known for her portrayal of Desdemona in the 1986 film adaptation of Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi's Otello.  

Giuditta Pasta was an Italian opera singer. Such was her popularity that several roles were written specifically for her. Pasta is credited with originating iconic roles, such as Donizetti's Anna Bolena, Bellini's Amina in La sonnambula, and the title role in Norma. Giuditta Pasta also worked as a teacher and among her well-known pupils are Emma Albertazzi and Adelaide Kemble.

Italian soprano who soared to fame in the 1950s and 1960s with her performances at Milan’s iconic La Scala. She was 12 when she began her concert performances and later soared to fame with her appearances at venues such as Paris Opera and Covent Garden. She retired at 36 to focus on her family.

Legendary Italian opera singer Giulia Grisi was the opera world’s prima donna for over 3 decades. She was 17 when she made her debut with Zelmira. She later also soared to fame in Paris and London. She later married opera singer and Italian nobleman and knight Giovanni Matteo Mario.

Baroque-era Italian operatic soprano Francesca Cuzzoni was also known as a major rival of fellow opera singer Faustina Bordoni. Known for her iconic roles such as those of Dalinda in Ariodante and Teofane in Ottone, she immortalized many roles penned by composer George Frideric Handel. She, however, died in poverty.

Italian operatic soprano Cecilia Fusco is remembered for her performances at Milan’s La Scala. The daughter of renowned film composer Giovanni Fusco, she made her musical debut with Verdi's Rigoletto at Teatro Margherita. She had also won hearts in London, New York, and Paris, among other cities.

Italian soprano Eugenia Ratti is remembered for her soubrette roles, primarily in interpretations of Cimarosa and Mozart. Starting her stage career with Sestri Levante, she later performed at iconic venues such as La Scala and the San Francisco Opera. She had also performed in Paris, Munich, and Vienna, among other cities.