Female Opera Singers
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Throughout history, there have been many women opera singers who have made significant contribution to the field. The list includes many familiar and great female opera singers such as Maria Callas, Nellie Melba, Birgit Nilsson, Alma Gluck, Deanna Durbin.The women opera singers featured in this list are from United States, United Kingdom, Canada & Australia and many more countries.
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1
Montserrat Caballé
(Spanish Operatic Soprano Known for Her Pure and Powerful Vocals With Exquisite Pianissimo)
Birthdate: April 12, 1933
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Barcelona, Spain
Died: October 6, 2018
Spanish opera singer and a legend of classical music, Montserrat Caballé became an international sensation after recording the duet Barcelona, the official anthem for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, with Freddie Mercury. She is also remembered for his iconic portrayal of the title role of Lucrezia Borgia.
2
Kiri Te Kanawa
(Opera singer)
Birthdate: March 6, 1944
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Gisborne, New Zealand
3
Renée Fleming
(American Opera Singer and Broadway Star)
Birthdate: February 14, 1959
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Indiana, Pennsylvania, United States
Four-time Grammy-winning American soprano Renée Fleming was born to music teacher parents and started her singing career as a jazz vocalist. She later stormed the opera scene with performances in productions such as A Streetcar Named Desire. A Broadway star, she later stepped into rock and film music.
Birthdate: May 19, 1861
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Richmond
Died: February 23, 1931
Nellie Melba was an Australian singer. One of the most popular singers of the early 20th century, Melba was the first Australian classical musician to achieve international recognition. Also known for her charity work during the First World War, Nellie Melba was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1918.
5
Anna Netrebko
(Russian Operatic Singer)
Birthdate: September 18, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Krasnodar, Russia
Anna Netrebko is a Russian operatic singer who has performed at popular venues, such as The Royal Opera and Metropolitan Opera. She achieved international fame in 2002, when she played Donna Anna in Don Giovanni at the Salzburg Festival. One of the most decorated operatic singers of her generation, Anna Netrebko was included in the Time 100 list in 2007.
Birthdate: November 7, 1926
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
Died: October 10, 2010
Australian soprano Joan Sutherland was exposed to music at an early age, being the daughter of a singer. Trained in voice and the piano by her mother, she made her debut as Dido in Dido and Aeneas. The first Australian to earn a Grammy, she was also awarded the DBE.
7
Beverly Sills
(American Operatic Soprano Noted for Performing in Coloratura Soprano Roles in Live Opera and Recordings)
Birthdate: May 25, 1929
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: July 2, 2007
Distinguished American operatic soprano Beverly Sills is best-remembered for her coloratura soprano roles in live opera and recordings. Two of her memorable roles include the title role in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor and Elisabetta in Donizetti's Roberto Devereux. Following her retirement, Sills served as general manager of New York City Opera, chairwoman of Lincoln Center and chairwoman of Metropolitan Opera.
8
Cecilia Bartoli
(Italian Coloratura Mezzo-Soprano Opera Singer and Recitalist)
Birthdate: June 4, 1966
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
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.
9
Renata Tebaldi
(Italian Lirico-Spinto Soprano Who was One of the 20th Century's Greatest Opera Singers)
Birthdate: February 1, 1922
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Pesaro, Italy
Died: December 19, 2004
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.
10
Marilyn Horne
(Distinguished American Mezzo-Soprano Opera Singer)
Birthdate: January 16, 1934
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bradford, Pennsylvania, United States
Distinguished American mezzo-soprano opera-singer Marilyn Horne was best-known for her bel canto and opera seria roles. Memorable performances of Horne includes in Alban Berg's Wozzeck, Vincenzo Bellini's Beatrice di Tenda and Gioachino Rossini’s Le siège de Corinthe. Horne received several awards and honours during her career including four Grammy Awards, a National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors.
Birthdate: September 16, 1976
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Riga, Latvia
12
Birgit Nilsson(Swedish Singer Best Known for Her Performances in the Operas of ‘Richard Wagner’ and ‘Richard Strauss’)
Birthdate: May 17, 1918
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Västra Karup, Sweden
Died: December 25, 2005
Birgit Nilsson was a Swedish dramatic soprano remembered for her association with composers like Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner. One of the most celebrated Swedish singers of all time, Nilsson won many awards, such as the 1966 Sonning Award. In 1982, she won the Swedish-American of the Year Award. In 2012, she was inducted into the Gramophone's Hall of Fame.
13
Jenny Lind(One of the Most Highly Regarded Singers of the 19th Century)
Birthdate: October 6, 1820
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden
Died: November 2, 1887
Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind, also known as the "Swedish Nightingale,” was a prominent 19th-century soprano and performed all over Europe. She also donated generously to various charities, especially to the cause of free schools in Sweden. She also taught at the Royal College of Music in London.
14
Lily Pons
(American-French operatic soprano)
Birthdate: April 12, 1898
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Draguignan, France
Died: February 13, 1976
15
Maria Callas(One of the Most Renowned and Influential Opera Singers of the 20th Century)
Birthdate: December 2, 1923
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: New York City, United States
Died: September 16, 1977
Greek soprano Maria Callas, also known as “La Divina,” is considered one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winner was also in the news for her affair with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, her rivalry with Renata Tebaldi, and her gradually declining vocal ability.
16
Kathryn Grayson
(American Coloratura Soprano and Actress)
Birthdate: February 9, 1922
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
Died: February 17, 2010
Kathryn Grayson was an American coloratura soprano and actress. She trained as an opera singer from a young age and went on to play leading roles in popular musical films like Thousands Cheer, Show Boat, and Kiss Me Kate. Later in her career, Kathryn Grayson performed in theatre and operas.
17
Leontyne Price
(The First African-American Opera Singer to Achieve International Fame)
Birthdate: February 10, 1927
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Laurel, Mississippi, United States
Multiple Grammy-winning legendary opera singer and musical diva Leontyne Price became the first singer of African-American origin who achieved international fame in opera. She soared to fame with her appearance in the TV production of Tosca and later performed at iconic venues, such as London’s Royal Opera House.
18
Kathleen Battle
(Grammy-Winning American Opera Singer Who Performed Mostly at the Metropolitan Opera)
Birthdate: August 13, 1948
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Portsmouth, Ohio, United States
American opera singer Kathleen Battle is said to be one of the greatest coloratura sopranos of her era. Initially a teacher, she got a breakthrough when conductor Thomas Schippers noticed her. A 5-time Grammy Award winner, she became a star of the Metropolitan Opera and later also won an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement.
19
Jessye Norman
(Legendary American Opera Singer and 5-Time Grammy Winner)
Birthdate: September 15, 1945
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Augusta, Georgia, United States
Died: September 30, 2019
American opera singer and recitalist Jessye Norman was born into a family of musicians and made her opera debut with Richard Wagner’s Tannhäuser in Berlin. A 5-time Grammy winner, she performed at iconic venues such as the Paris Opera and London’s Royal Opera, and also served as an ambassador to the UN.
20
Deanna Durbin
(Actress & Singer)
Birthdate: December 4, 1921
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Died: April 17, 2013
21
Adelina Patti
(Italian Opera Singer Who is Considered One of the Most Popular Sopranos of All Time)
Birthdate: February 19, 1843
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Died: September 27, 1919
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.
22
Tarja Turunen
(Finnish Heavy Metal Singer-Songwriter & Co-Founder of the Symphonic Metal Band 'Nightwish')
Birthdate: August 17, 1977
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Kitee, Finland
Tarja Turunen is a Finnish singer-songwriter and an exponent of heavy metal. She is credited with co-founding the popular symphonic metal band Nightwish, where she peformed as the lead vocalist. The band's symphonic metal style, which was referred to as opera metal, inspired several other bands and performers.
Birthdate: February 21, 1986
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales
Charlotte Church is a Welsh actress, singer-songwriter, political activist, and television presenter. She achieved popularity after hosting her own chat show for Channel 4, The Charlotte Church Show. As a recording artist, Church has won many awards, including a Hollywood Reporters Young Star Award and Classical BRIT Award. She has also published an autobiography named Voice of an Angel.
24
Mirella Freni
(Italian Operatic Soprano)
Birthdate: February 27, 1935
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Modena, Italy
Died: February 9, 2020
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.
25
Anna Moffo
(One of the Most Prominent and Popular Lyric-Coloratura Sopranos of Her Generation)
Birthdate: June 27, 1932
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Wayne, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: March 9, 2006
Anna Moffo was an American actress, television personality, and opera singer. One of the most prominent and popular lyric-coloratura sopranos of her generation, Moffo possessed a radiant and warm voice of considerable range. Apart from achieving popularity in the USA, Anna Moffo also became famous in countries like Germany and Italy.
Birthdate: August 14, 1960
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England
Classical crossover soprano and actor Sarah Brightman is best known for her international hit Time to Say Goodbye, sung with Andrea Bocelli. She has also performed in various West End and Broadway musicals, such as Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. She was previously married to Andrew Lloyd Webber.
27
Kirsten Flagstad
(Opera Singer)
Birthdate: July 12, 1895
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Hamar, Norway
Died: December 7, 1962
Birthdate: November 4, 1970
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Uppsala, Sweden
Malena Ernman is a Swedish opera singer who represented her country at the 54th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Moscow, Russia. Apart from operas and operettas, she also performs jazz, cabaret, and chansons. Also an environmental activist, Malena Ernman was adjudged Environmental Hero of the Year by an organization called WWF-Sweden in 2017.
Birthdate: May 31, 1971
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Günzburg, Germany
30
Rosa Ponselle
(American Opera Singer Who Was a Star of New York's Metropolitan Opera)
Birthdate: January 22, 1897
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Meriden, Connecticut, United States
Died: May 25, 1981
American opera singer Rosa Ponselle, who became known as a Metropolitan Opera star, is best known for her performance in Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma. Starting her career singing in cafes and theaters, she later also performed at London’s Covent Garden. She also served the Baltimore Civic Opera Company as its artistic director.
Birthdate: November 16, 1981
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Gladstone Central, Australia
Award-winning Australian singer Kate Miller‐Heidke specializes in both contemporary pop and classical music. Apart from releasing multi-platinum hits such as Last Day on Earth, she has also composed the opera Rabbits and performed at various international music festivals. Her album O Vertigo! became the fastest crowdfunded project on Pledge.
32
Aida Garifullina(Russian Opera Singer and Winner of the 2013 Operalia Competition)
Birthdate: September 30, 1987
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Kazan, Russia
Aida Garifullina is a Russian lyric soprano. She gained mainstream popularity after winning the 2013 Operalia competition and has since been featured in many productions staged at the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg, and the Wiener Staatsoper. She also performed at the 2018 FIFA World Cup opening gala concert. She is currently signed to Decca Records.
33
Jeanette MacDonald
(Actress and Singer Known for Her Musical Films: ‘Maytime’, 'Naughty Marietta' and 'The Love Parade')
Birthdate: June 18, 1903
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: January 14, 1965
Jeanette MacDonald was an American actress and singer best remembered for her performances in the musical films of the 1930s. Renowned for her singing skills, MacDonald appeared in opera and concerts. One of the 20th century's most influential sopranos, Jeanette MacDonald is credited with inspiring a generation of singers and introducing opera to film-going audiences.
34
Natalie Dessay
(Opera Singer Known for Her Portrayal of 'Olympia' in 'The Tales of Hoffmann')
Birthdate: April 19, 1965
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Lyon, France
Natalie Dessay is a French actress, singer, and former operatic soprano. In 1992, Dessay portrayed Olympia in The Tales of Hoffmann for which she gained wide recognition. Her performance also gained her access to leading opera houses around the world. Over the years Natalie Dessay has won several prestigious awards, such as the Laurence Olivier Award.
35
Mary Costa
(American Opera Star Who Voiced 'Princess Aurora' in the Disney Musical 'Sleeping Beauty')
Birthdate: April 5, 1930
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Knoxville
Retired American opera singer Mary Costa is best known for voicing Princess Aurora in the Disney animated musical fantasy Sleeping Beauty. Named a Disney Legend later, she has also appeared in iconic operas such as Verdi's in La Traviata. Post-retirement, she has turned into a motivational speaker and fights against child abuse, too.
36
Marjorie Finlay
(American Television Personality and Opera Singer)
Birthdate: October 5, 1928
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Died: June 1, 2003
Marjorie Finlay was an American television personality and opera singer. A coloratura soprano, she performed opera, concert, and supper club singing. Marjorie Finlay also had her own TV show, which had viewership in the USA and Europe.
37
Mirusia Louwerse
(Australian Opera Singer)
Birthdate: March 29, 1985
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Brisbane
Mirusia Louwerse is an Australian opera singer who has released a couple of platinum-certified albums. Nicknamed The Angel of Australia, Louwerse is also renowned for her charity work. Since 2010, Mirusia Louwerse has taken part in numerous charity concerts to raise money for the ACMF.
Birthdate: September 18, 2008
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Amman, Jordan
39
Risë Stevens
(American Actress and Singer)
Birthdate: June 11, 1913
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: March 20, 2013
Risë Stevens was an American actress and singer. She is best remembered for playing the titular role in Carmen. She is also remembered for her association with the Metropolitan Opera National Company, where she worked as director from 1963 to 1968. Stevens' life and career inspired two biographies, namely Subway to the Met and Risë Stevens: A Life in Music.
40
Sondra Radvanovsky
(American-Canadian Opera Singer Who Is Known for Her Roles in Giuseppe Verdi's Interpretations)
Birthdate: April 11, 1969
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Berwyn, Illinois, United States
American-Canadian opera singer Sondra Radvanovsky is known as one of the greatest interpreters of Giuseppe Verdi’s works. She was 21 when she bagged her debut opera role and later soared to fame with performances as Leonora in Il trovatore and as Amelia in Un ballo in Maschera.
41
Ana María Martínez
(Operatic soprano)
Birthdate: 1971 AD
Birthplace: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Birthdate: April 22, 1912
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Higher Walton, United Kingdom
Died: October 8, 1953
43
Patricia Janečková
(Operatic soprano)
Birthdate: June 18, 1998
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Münchberg, Germany
44
Laura Bretan
(Romanian-American Soprano)
Birthdate: April 7, 2002
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Laura Bretan is a Romanian-American soprano who came into prominence in 2016 when she won the sixth season of the popular TV show, Romania's Got Talent. In the same year, Laura Bretan also appeared in America's Got Talent where she finished sixth.
45
Lucia Popp
(Slovak Singer and Actress)
Birthdate: November 12, 1939
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Záhorská Ves, Slovakia
Died: November 16, 1993
46
Montserrat Martí
(Spanish Soprano Who Is the Daughter of Soprano Montserrat Caballé)
Birthdate: November 15, 1972
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Barcelona, Spain
The daughter of soprano Montserrat Caballé and tenor Bernabé Martí, Montserrat Martí, or Montsita, is a renowned Spanish soprano in her own right. Known for playing roles such as Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, she has also been part of many charitable concerts. She has also sung with her mother.
47
Joyce DiDonato
(American Singer and Lyric-Coloratura Mezzo-Soprano)
Birthdate: February 13, 1969
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Prairie Village, Kansas, United States
Joyce DiDonato is an American singer and lyric-coloratura mezzo-soprano. She is best known for her famous interpretations of concert works and operas in the 19th-century romantic era. Joyce DiDonato has performed with the world's leading orchestras and opera companies. She has also won many awards, such as the Grammy Award under the Best Classical Vocal Solo category.
48
Marina Prior
(Australian Actress and Opera Singer)
Birthdate: October 18, 1963
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Port Moresby
Marina Prior is an Australian actress and opera singer. She achieved popularity in the early-1990s when she portrayed Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera. Best known for her contribution to musical theatre in Australia, Marina Prior is the recipient of several prestigious awards, such as the Green Room Awards and the Australian Entertainment Mo Awards.
49
Liza Wang
(Actress , Opera singer)
Birthdate: August 28, 1947
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Chongming County
50
Victoria de los Ángeles
(Spanish Soprano and Recitalist)
Birthdate: November 1, 1923
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Barcelona, Spain
Died: January 15, 2005
Spanish lyric soprano Victoria de los Ángeles was a sensation in the 1950s and 1960s. While she initially trained in the guitar, she later switched to voice and the piano. Following her opera debut with Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, she later performed at venues such as La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera.