Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

May 23, 1893 in Bialystok, Poland

Death

:

September 28, 1963 in Los Angeles, CA

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

Rosa Raisa was a renowned Italian-American soprano who was born on May 23, 1893, in Bari, Italy. She was the daughter of a Jewish cantor and grew up in a musical family. Her father recognized her talent at an early age and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Raisa began her musical training at the age of 12, studying with the Italian soprano, Elvira de Hidalgo. She made her debut in 1913 at the Teatro Regio in Parma, Italy, in the role of Leonora in Verdi's "Il Trovatore." Her performance was a huge success, and she quickly became a sought-after soprano in Italy. In 1914, Raisa was invited to perform at the Royal Opera House in London, where she sang the role of Aida in Verdi's opera of the same name. Her performance was a sensation, and she was hailed as one of the greatest sopranos of her time. Raisa's career continued to flourish, and she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1919, singing the role of Leonora in "Il Trovatore." She quickly became a favorite of audiences and critics alike, and she went on to perform many of the great soprano roles, including Tosca, Norma, and Turandot. One of Raisa's most famous performances was in the world premiere of Giacomo Puccini's "Turandot" in 1926. Raisa sang the role of the slave girl, Liu, and her performance of the aria "Tu che di gel sei cinta" was a highlight of the opera. Puccini was so impressed with Raisa's performance that he dedicated the opera to her. Raisa continued to perform at the Metropolitan Opera for many years, and she also appeared in concerts and recitals throughout the United States and Europe. She was known for her powerful voice, dramatic intensity, and emotional depth. In addition to her performances, Raisa was also a dedicated teacher. She taught at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and the Juilliard School in New York City, and she mentored many young singers who went on to have successful careers in opera. Raisa received many honors and awards throughout her career. In 1937, she was awarded the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity by the Italian government for her contributions to Italian culture. She was also awarded the Gold Medal of the City of Milan in 1953. Raisa retired from performing in 1956 and spent her later years teaching and mentoring young singers. She died on September 28, 1963, in New York City at the age of 70. Rosa Raisa was a trailblazer in the world of opera, and her powerful voice and dramatic intensity continue to inspire singers and audiences today. Her legacy lives on through the many recordings of her performances and the singers she mentored.

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