Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

May 12, 1910 in Forli, Italy

Death

:

May 5, 2010 in Rome, Italy

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Giulietta Simionato was an Italian mezzo-soprano who was born on May 12, 1910, in Forlì, Italy. She was the daughter of a music teacher and began her musical training at a young age. Simionato studied at the Conservatory of Parma, where she was a student of the renowned soprano Carmen Melis. Simionato made her operatic debut in 1933 at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna, where she sang the role of Maddalena in Verdi's Rigoletto. She quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and dramatic stage presence, and she went on to perform in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses. One of Simionato's most notable performances was in 1951, when she sang the role of Azucena in Verdi's Il Trovatore at La Scala in Milan. Her performance was widely praised, and it helped establish her as one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her time. Simionato went on to perform at La Scala many times throughout her career, and she was a favorite of audiences and critics alike. Simionato also had a successful career in the United States, where she performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She made her debut at the Met in 1953, singing the role of Rosina in Rossini's The Barber of Seville. She went on to perform in many other productions at the Met, including Carmen, Don Giovanni, and La Traviata. Throughout her career, Simionato received many awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. In 1955, she was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon an Italian citizen. She was also awarded the title of "Commendatore" by the Italian government in 1973. Simionato retired from performing in 1976, but she continued to be involved in the world of classical music. She taught master classes and served as a judge for many international singing competitions. She also wrote a memoir, entitled "Giulietta Simionato: Una Vita per il Canto" (Giulietta Simionato: A Life for Singing), which was published in 1991. Simionato passed away on May 5, 2010, just one week before her 100th birthday. She was remembered as one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century, and her legacy continues to inspire and influence young singers today.

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