Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

March 16, 1935 in Madrid, Spain

Death

:

May 13, 2022 in Madrid, Spain

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Teresa Berganza is a Spanish mezzo-soprano who is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. Born on March 16, 1935, in Madrid, Spain, Berganza grew up in a musical family. Her father was a professional singer, and her mother was a pianist. Berganza began singing at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Berganza studied at the Madrid Royal Conservatory, where she received training in voice and piano. She made her professional debut in 1955 at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid, where she sang the role of Rosina in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville." Her performance was a huge success, and she quickly became a rising star in the world of classical music. In 1957, Berganza made her international debut at the Aix-en-Provence Festival in France, where she sang the role of Dorabella in Mozart's "Così fan tutte." Her performance was widely praised, and she was soon invited to perform at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and La Scala in Milan. Throughout her career, Berganza was known for her beautiful voice, impeccable technique, and expressive interpretation of the music. She was particularly renowned for her performances of Mozart and Rossini operas, but she also excelled in the works of other composers, including Handel, Gluck, and Bizet. One of Berganza's most famous performances was her portrayal of Rosina in the 1967 film adaptation of "The Barber of Seville," directed by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Berganza's performance was widely praised. She also appeared in several other films, including "Carmen" and "La Cenerentola." Berganza received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the National Music Prize of Spain in 1978 and the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts in 1991. She was also made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government in 1982. Berganza retired from the stage in 1996, but she continued to teach and mentor young singers. She also served as the director of the Escuela Superior de Canto in Madrid from 1991 to 1996. Today, Berganza is remembered as one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of all time. Her recordings and performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world, and her legacy as a musician and teacher lives on.

More....