Birth

:

August 29, 1946 in Padua, Italy

Death

:

June 11, 1998 in Seattle, WA

Genre

:

Opera

 

Lucia Valentini Terrani was a renowned Italian mezzo-soprano who was born on September 7, 1946, in Padua, Italy. She was the daughter of a music teacher and grew up in a family that was passionate about music. Her father was a pianist, and her mother was a singer, so it was no surprise that Lucia developed an interest in music at a young age. Lucia began her musical training at the age of six, studying piano and singing. She later attended the Conservatory of Music in Venice, where she studied under the guidance of Ettore Campogalliani. She made her operatic debut in 1969, playing the role of Rosina in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice. Lucia's career took off quickly, and she soon became one of the most sought-after mezzo-sopranos in the world. She performed in some of the most prestigious opera houses in Europe and the United States, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and La Scala in Milan. One of Lucia's most memorable performances was in 1979, when she played the role of Carmen in Bizet's "Carmen" at the Salzburg Festival. Her performance was widely praised, and it helped establish her as one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her time. Lucia was also known for her performances in the operas of Mozart. She played the role of Dorabella in "Così fan tutte" and Cherubino in "The Marriage of Figaro" in productions that were widely acclaimed. In addition to her work in opera, Lucia was also a successful concert singer. She performed in recitals and concerts throughout Europe and the United States, and she was known for her interpretations of the works of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. Lucia received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1982, she was awarded the title of "Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" by the French government. She was also awarded the "Premio Abbiati" by the Italian music critics' association in 1983. Despite her success, Lucia's career was cut short by illness. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991, and she underwent treatment for several years. She continued to perform during this time, but her health began to decline, and she eventually retired from the stage in 1998. Lucia passed away on June 16, 1998, at the age of 51. Her death was a great loss to the world of classical music, and she was mourned by fans and colleagues alike. In conclusion, Lucia Valentini Terrani was a talented and accomplished mezzo-soprano who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her performances were characterized by their passion, intensity, and technical skill, and she was widely regarded as one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of her time. Despite her untimely death, her legacy lives on through her recordings and the memories of those who were fortunate enough to see her perform.

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