Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

July 23, 1909 in Bari, Italy

Death

:

August 15, 2014 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Opera

 

Licia Albanese was a renowned Italian-American soprano who was born on July 22, 1909, in Bari, Italy. She was the daughter of a baker and grew up in a musical family. Her father played the mandolin, and her mother sang in the local church choir. Albanese showed an early interest in music and began singing in church at the age of six. At the age of 15, Albanese won a scholarship to study at the Conservatory of San Pietro a Majella in Naples. She studied with the famous Italian soprano, Carmen Melis, and made her operatic debut in 1934 as Cio-Cio-San in Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" at the Teatro Lirico in Milan. Her performance was a great success, and she soon became a sought-after soprano in Italy. In 1935, Albanese was invited to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She made her debut as Mimi in Puccini's "La Bohème" and received rave reviews. She quickly became a favorite of audiences and critics alike and went on to perform at the Met for over 25 years. Albanese's repertoire included many of the great operatic roles, including Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata," Mimi in "La Bohème," and Cio-Cio-San in "Madama Butterfly." She was known for her beautiful voice, impeccable phrasing, and dramatic intensity. She was also a gifted actress and brought a depth of emotion to her performances that was unmatched. Albanese was a frequent performer at the Salzburg Festival and the Royal Opera House in London. She also performed in many other major opera houses around the world, including La Scala in Milan, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. In addition to her operatic performances, Albanese was also a popular concert singer. She performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Albanese received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1941, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for her contributions to the war effort. She was also awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. In 1995, Albanese was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She was also awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1995 for her lifetime contributions to the arts. Albanese retired from the stage in 1966 but continued to teach and mentor young singers. She was a beloved figure in the opera world and was known for her generosity and kindness. Albanese passed away on August 15, 2014, at the age of 105. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century and a true icon of the opera world. Her recordings and performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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