Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Irma Kolassi was a French mezzo-soprano who was born on December 23, 1919, in Marseille, France. She was the daughter of a Greek father and a French mother. Her father was a musician who played the violin and the piano, and he introduced Irma to music at a young age. She began singing in a choir when she was six years old, and she quickly developed a love for singing. Kolassi studied at the Marseille Conservatory, where she received training in both singing and piano. She made her professional debut in 1942, singing the role of Carmen in Georges Bizet's opera of the same name. Her performance was well-received, and it launched her career as a professional opera singer. Kolassi quickly became known for her powerful voice and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. She was particularly skilled at singing the works of French composers, such as Hector Berlioz and Maurice Ravel. She also had a talent for singing the works of Italian composers, such as Giuseppe Verdi and Gaetano Donizetti. In 1946, Kolassi made her debut at the Paris Opera, singing the role of Charlotte in Jules Massenet's opera Werther. Her performance was a great success, and it led to many more opportunities for her to perform at the Paris Opera. She went on to sing many other roles at the Paris Opera, including the title role in Bizet's Carmen, Eboli in Verdi's Don Carlos, and Amneris in Verdi's Aida. Kolassi also performed at many other opera houses throughout Europe, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, and the Vienna State Opera. She was particularly well-known for her performances of the role of Carmen, which she sang over 200 times throughout her career. In addition to her work in opera, Kolassi also performed in concerts and recitals. She was known for her interpretations of French art songs, and she recorded many of them throughout her career. She also performed in oratorios and cantatas, including Handel's Messiah and Bach's St. Matthew Passion. Kolassi received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1953, she was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for her recording of Berlioz's Les Nuits d'été. In 1960, she was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a French citizen. She was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1961. Kolassi continued to perform throughout the 1960s and 1970s, but she began to experience health problems in the late 1970s. She retired from performing in 1980, and she passed away on December 14, 1987, at the age of 67. Irma Kolassi was a talented and accomplished mezzo-soprano who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her powerful voice and emotional performances made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Her legacy lives on through her recordings and the memories of those who were fortunate enough to see her perform live.

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