Opera is an art form that has been appreciated for centuries, and its performers are some of the most talented musicians in the world. Female opera singers have played a significant role in shaping the genre’s history, and their contributions have been celebrated worldwide. These women possess not only incredible vocal ability but also stage presence, acting talent, and an innate ability to convey emotion and drama through music.
In this article, we will be exploring the top 20 famous female opera singers of all time, their accomplishments, and their impact on the world of music. From Maria Callas to Joan Sutherland, these women have captivated audiences with their vocal range, power, and beauty.
We will delve into their early beginnings, their education and training, their rise to fame, their notable performances and achievements, and the legacy they left behind. We will also explore how these women have paved the way for future generations of female opera singers.
Whether you are an opera enthusiast or simply interested in learning about some of the greatest performers of all time, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of the top 20 famous female opera singers who have left their mark on the world of music.
1. Maria Callas
Maria Callas was a Greek-American soprano singer and one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century. Born in New York City in 1923 to Greek immigrant parents, Callas began studying music at a young age and made her professional debut in 1942. Over the course of her career, she became famous for her powerful voice, dramatic interpretations, and stunning stage presence.
Callas was known for her versatility and ability to perform a wide range of roles, from the bel canto operas of Rossini and Bellini to the dramatic works of Verdi and Puccini. Her interpretations were marked by a deep emotional intensity, which she conveyed through her singing, acting, and overall stage demeanor.
Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Callas performed at some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Her performances were often controversial, and she was known for her sometimes difficult personality and fraught relationships with fellow performers and management.
Despite these challenges, Callas remains one of the most influential and iconic opera singers of all time. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of singers and fans, and her recordings are considered essential listening for anyone interested in the art of opera.
2. Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson was an American contralto singer who is considered one of the most important and influential vocalists of the 20th century. Born in Philadelphia in 1897, Anderson began singing in church choirs as a child and went on to study voice with some of the best teachers in the country. She gained national recognition in the 1920s and 1930s for her powerful voice and moving performances.
Despite her talent, Anderson faced numerous barriers and discrimination due to her race, particularly in the early part of her career. She was often denied opportunities to perform in prestigious venues and was even banned from performing at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., because of her skin color. However, Anderson refused to be silenced and continued to perform, becoming a symbol of hope and inspiration for many during the civil rights era.
Anderson’s career reached new heights in 1955, when she became the first African-American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She went on to perform for presidents and royalty, and was awarded numerous honors and awards throughout her life.
Anderson’s legacy as a trailblazer and artist is unparalleled. Her performances and recordings continue to inspire generations of singers and music lovers, and her contributions to the fight for racial justice have earned her a place in history as a true icon.
3. Sarah Brightman
Sarah Brightman is an English classical crossover soprano singer, actress, and songwriter. Born in 1960, she began her career in musical theater, appearing in various productions in the UK in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1984, she was cast in the lead role of Christine in the original West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” which catapulted her to fame.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Brightman established herself as one of the leading performers in the classical crossover genre, releasing a series of successful albums that blended classical music with pop and electronic elements. She is known for her stunning vocal range, which spans from soprano to mezzo-soprano, as well as her elaborate stage shows, which often feature spectacular costumes and sets.
In addition to her music career, Brightman has also acted in films and television shows, and has undertaken several high-profile philanthropic projects, including serving as a UNESCO Artist for Peace and founding the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, which supports emerging artists in the performing arts.
Today, Brightman is recognized as one of the most successful and influential classical crossover artists of all time. Her music has touched the hearts of millions of fans around the world, and her legacy as a performer and humanitarian continues to inspire new generations.
4. Leontyne Price
Leontyne Price is an American soprano singer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest opera singers of all time. Born in 1927 in Mississippi, Price began singing in church as a child and went on to study voice at the Juilliard School in New York City. She made her operatic debut in 1952 and quickly gained a reputation for her stunning vocal range and emotive performances.
Throughout her career, Price became known for her powerful interpretations of the works of Giuseppe Verdi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Richard Strauss, among others. She performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City for more than two decades, becoming the first African-American to sing leading roles at the prestigious institution. Her performances at the Met were critically acclaimed and garnered her numerous awards and honors.
In addition to her achievements as an opera singer, Price was also a pioneer for African-American performers in the classical music world. She used her fame and influence to advocate for greater diversity and representation in the industry, and inspired countless other musicians to follow in her footsteps.
Today, Price’s legacy as a trailblazer and artist continues to inspire and influence new generations of singers and music lovers. Her recordings and performances remain some of the most celebrated in the history of opera.
5. Anna Netrebko
Anna Netrebko is a Russian-Austrian operatic soprano singer. Born in 1971 in Krasnodar, Russia, she grew up listening to music and began her formal training at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. She gained international recognition in 2002 with her performance as Donna Anna in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” at the Salzburg Festival.
Netrebko is known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, and has performed leading roles in many of the most famous operas, including “La Bohème,” “Carmen,” “Eugene Onegin,” and “Aida.” She has also recorded a number of albums and collaborated with other notable musicians in the classical music world.
In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Netrebko is a well-known philanthropist and has used her platform to support numerous charitable causes, including the fight against HIV/AIDS and the promotion of music education. She has also been recognized for her advocacy work in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Today, Netrebko is widely regarded as one of the leading sopranos of her generation. Her performances continue to captivate audiences around the world, and her commitment to using her voice to make a positive impact on society has made her a beloved figure both on and off the stage.
6. Jessye Norman
Jessye Norman was an American operatic soprano who is considered one of the most celebrated and influential singers of the 20th century. Born in 1945 in Georgia, Norman grew up in a musical family and began singing in church as a child. She went on to study music at Howard University and the University of Michigan, and made her operatic debut in 1969.
Norman was known for her commanding stage presence and powerful voice, which allowed her to tackle some of the most challenging roles in opera. She performed at major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and collaborated with renowned conductors and musicians such as Herbert von Karajan and Plácido Domingo.
Beyond her achievements in opera, Norman was also an advocate for social justice and education. She used her platform to raise awareness about issues such as racism, poverty, and HIV/AIDS, and was involved with numerous charitable organizations throughout her career.
Norman received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. Her recordings and performances continue to be celebrated by music lovers around the world, and her legacy as an artist and humanitarian remains a powerful inspiration to many.
7. Kathleen Battle
Kathleen Battle is an American operatic soprano who is renowned for her pure, crystalline voice and exquisite technique. Born in Ohio in 1948, she grew up in a musical family and began singing in church as a child. She went on to study music at the University of Cincinnati and later at the College-Conservatory of Music.
Battle made her operatic debut in 1975 and quickly established herself as one of the leading sopranos of her generation. She performed at major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, and collaborated with renowned conductors and musicians such as James Levine and Plácido Domingo.
In addition to her work in opera, Battle has also recorded a number of albums, including several that feature spirituals and gospel music. She is known for her commitment to showcasing the richness and diversity of African American musical traditions.
Throughout her career, Battle has been recognized for her artistry and her contributions to music. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors.
Today, Battle remains an inspiration to singers and music lovers around the world. Her flawless technique, pure tone, and deep musicality have made her one of the most beloved and respected sopranos of our time.
8. Diana Damrau
Diana Damrau is a German soprano who is widely regarded as one of the leading opera singers of her generation. Born in 1971 in Bavaria, Damrau grew up in a musical family and began studying music at a young age. She went on to attend the Hochschule für Musik Würzburg, where she received extensive training in voice and opera.
Damrau made her operatic debut in 1995 and quickly established herself as a rising star in the world of opera. Known for her versatility and technical virtuosity, she has performed a wide range of roles across a variety of styles and genres. She has appeared at major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, and La Scala.
In addition to her work in opera, Damrau has also released a number of solo albums and collaborated with other musicians on various projects. She is particularly known for her interpretations of Mozart and Strauss, and her recordings of their works have been widely acclaimed.
Throughout her career, Damrau has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to music, including the title of Kammersängerin from the Bavarian State Opera. Today, she is considered one of the most exciting and dynamic singers of her generation, and her performances continue to captivate audiences around the world.
9. Beverly Sills
Beverly Sills was an American soprano who is widely regarded as one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1929, Sills showed a talent for singing from a young age, and began performing in operas in her early 20s.
Sills’ vocal range was remarkable, and she was known for her crystalline coloratura soprano voice. Her vocal technique was incredibly precise and she had a remarkable ability to convey emotion through her singing.
Throughout her career, Sills performed a wide range of roles in operas by composers such as Handel, Mozart, and Verdi. She was particularly renowned for her interpretations of the bel canto repertoire, and her performances of roles like Lucia in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and Rosina in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville are considered legendary.
In addition to her career as a singer, Sills was also a respected arts administrator. She served as the general manager of the New York City Opera from 1979 to 1989, and helped to bring the company to new heights of artistic and financial success.
Sills received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and her contributions to the world of opera continue to be celebrated today.
10. Cecilia Bartoli
Cecilia Bartoli is an Italian mezzo-soprano known for her versatile vocal range and interpretations of baroque and classical music. Born in Rome in 1966, Bartoli began her singing career in her early 20s, and quickly gained recognition for her exceptional voice and musicality.
Bartoli’s vocal range is impressive, and she has an extraordinary ability to convey emotion and nuance through her singing. She is particularly renowned for her interpretations of the music of Mozart and Rossini, as well as baroque composers like Vivaldi and Handel.
Throughout her career, Bartoli has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House in London. She has recorded extensively, and her recordings of Mozart’s operas have received critical acclaim.
Bartoli has also been recognized for her contributions to the arts, and has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 2012, she was appointed the artistic director of the Salzburg Whitsun Festival, and has since curated a number of successful programs and performances.
Overall, Cecilia Bartoli is a highly respected and beloved figure in the world of opera, known for her exceptional talent and dedication to the art form.
11. Angel Blue
Angel Blue is an American soprano known for her powerful voice and stunning stage presence. Born in California in 1984, Blue began her singing career at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her exceptional vocal abilities.
Blue’s voice is known for its clarity and range, and she is particularly renowned for her performances of the music of Verdi and Puccini. She has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera.
Throughout her career, Blue has also been recognized for her advocacy work, particularly in support of arts education and outreach. She is a strong believer in the power of the arts to inspire and uplift, and has worked with a number of organizations to bring music and performance to underserved communities.
Overall, Angel Blue is a highly respected and admired figure in the world of opera, known for her exceptional talent and dedication to using her platform for good. Her performances continue to captivate audiences around the world, and she remains a leading figure in the contemporary opera scene.
12. Denyce Graves
Denyce Graves is an American mezzo-soprano known for her powerful voice and captivating performances. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1964, Graves began singing in church choirs and went on to study music at Oberlin College Conservatory and the New England Conservatory of Music.
Graves is particularly renowned for her performances of the music of Mozart and Verdi, and has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Paris Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London. She is also known for her work in contemporary opera and has premiered a number of new works by leading composers.
Throughout her career, Graves has been recognized for her commitment to using her platform to promote social justice and education. She has worked with a number of organizations to support arts education and outreach, and has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the arts.
Overall, Denyce Graves is a highly respected and admired figure in the world of opera, known for her exceptional talent, dedication to her craft, and commitment to using her platform for good. Her performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and she remains a leading figure in the contemporary opera scene.
13. Sumi Jo
Sumi Jo is a South Korean operatic soprano known for her pure, crystalline voice and effortless vocal technique. Born in Seoul in 1962, Jo began studying music at a young age and went on to train at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome.
Jo made her operatic debut in 1986 and quickly rose to international prominence for her performances of Mozart and bel canto repertoire. She has since performed at many of the world’s leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, and La Scala.
In addition to her opera performances, Jo is also a celebrated concert performer and has performed with some of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors. She is particularly renowned for her interpretations of sacred music and has released several albums of religious music, including works by Bach and Handel.
Throughout her career, Jo has been recognized for her exceptional talent and vocal artistry. She has won numerous awards, including several Grammys and the Order of Cultural Merit from the South Korean government. She is also a committed philanthropist and has worked with a number of organizations to promote education and cultural exchange.
Overall, Sumi Jo is a beloved figure in the world of classical music, known for her exquisite voice, technical mastery, and generous spirit. Her performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world, and she remains one of the leading sopranos of our time.
14. Nellie Melba
Nellie Melba, born Helen Porter Mitchell in Melbourne, Australia in 1861, was a soprano opera singer known for her powerful voice and virtuosic technique. She began her career performing in concerts and operettas in Australia, before traveling to Europe to study under leading teachers and make her operatic debut in Brussels in 1887.
Melba quickly established herself as a leading soprano, known for her crystal-clear high notes and ability to convey deep emotion in her performances. She performed at many of the world’s leading opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
Melba was particularly renowned for her performances of works by Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini, and she worked closely with many leading composers of her time. She was also a skilled pianist and often accompanied herself in recitals and concerts.
In addition to her exceptional vocal talent, Melba was also known for her style and elegance, and she became a fashion icon of her time. She was also an innovator in the recording industry, making some of the earliest recordings of opera performances and helping to popularize the gramophone.
Melba continued to perform and record throughout her career, becoming a beloved figure in the world of opera and classical music. She passed away in 1931, but her legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of all time lives on.
15. Renata Tebaldi
Renata Tebaldi was an Italian operatic soprano, renowned for her rich, powerful voice and dramatic performances. Born in Pesaro, Italy in 1922, Tebaldi began her vocal training at a young age and made her operatic debut in 1944 in Rovigo, Italy.
She quickly rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s, performing leading roles in operas by Verdi, Puccini, and other major composers at many of the world’s leading opera houses, including La Scala in Milan and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
Tebaldi was known for her ability to convey deep emotion through her performances, and her voice was praised for its warmth, clarity, and power. She was particularly renowned for her performances of Verdi’s works, including Aida and La Traviata, and she was considered by many to be one of the greatest interpreters of the composer’s music.
In addition to her successful career as an opera singer, Tebaldi was also a respected teacher, passing on her knowledge and expertise to a new generation of singers. She passed away in 2004, but her legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century lives on.
16. Montserrat Caballé
Montserrat Caballé was a Spanish operatic soprano, known for her versatility and powerful voice. Born in Barcelona in 1933, Caballé began her musical training at a young age, and by the 1960s she had become a sought-after performer in opera houses across Europe and the United States.
Caballé’s repertoire was vast, and she was known for her ability to sing a wide range of roles, from classical to contemporary, with equal skill and artistry. Her performances were marked by her rich, velvety voice, which was capable of soaring to great heights and conveying great emotion.
One of Caballé’s most famous performances was her duet with Freddie Mercury of the band Queen, “Barcelona”, which became the theme song for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. The collaboration brought Caballé’s voice to a new, younger audience and cemented her status as a cultural icon.
Throughout her career, Caballé received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the arts, including the National Music Prize in Spain and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 85, but her legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of all time continues to inspire and awe audiences around the world.
17.Joan Sutherland
Joan Sutherland was an Australian operatic soprano, known for her powerful voice, impeccable technique, and incredible range. She was widely regarded as one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. Sutherland rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, and became known for her performances of bel canto roles, particularly those of Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini.
Sutherland’s voice was characterized by its flexibility, brilliance, and clarity, which allowed her to effortlessly execute the challenging coloratura passages that were a hallmark of the bel canto style. She was also known for her remarkable breath control, which enabled her to sustain long, seamless phrases without interruption.
Throughout her career, Sutherland performed at many of the world’s greatest opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, La Scala in Milan, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. She was also a prolific recording artist, and her many recordings of bel canto works remain some of the most highly regarded in the classical music canon.
Sutherland was widely recognized for her contributions to the world of opera. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1979, and was awarded the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of opera singers, and she remains one of the most beloved and celebrated artists in the history of the art form.
18. Birgit Nilsson
Birgit Nilsson was a Swedish operatic soprano who was one of the leading dramatic sopranos of the 20th century. She was born on May 17, 1918, in Västra Karup, Sweden, and began her vocal training at the age of 17. Her career spanned over four decades, during which she performed in some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, La Scala in Milan, and the Royal Opera House in London.
Nilsson was renowned for her powerful and versatile voice, which allowed her to sing both dramatic and lyrical roles with ease. She was particularly known for her performances in the operas of Richard Wagner, including the roles of Brünnhilde in the “Ring” cycle, Isolde in “Tristan und Isolde,” and Elsa in “Lohengrin.” Her voice was also well-suited for the works of Giuseppe Verdi, and she was widely regarded as one of the greatest interpreters of his music.
Nilsson received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Légion d’honneur from the French government and the Royal Order of the Seraphim from the Swedish government. She retired from the stage in 1984, but continued to teach and give masterclasses until her death in 2005. Her legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of all time continues to inspire and influence singers today.
19. Kirsten Flagstad
Kirsten Flagstad was a Norwegian opera singer renowned for her powerful and expressive soprano voice. Born in 1895 in Hamar, Norway, Flagstad began her musical career as a pianist and then transitioned to singing. She made her operatic debut in Oslo in 1913, and quickly gained recognition for her performances in Wagnerian operas, such as “Tristan und Isolde” and “Die Walküre”.
Flagstad’s voice was notable for its rich and warm timbre, as well as its remarkable power and stamina. She was particularly renowned for her interpretations of Wagnerian roles, and was widely regarded as one of the greatest Wagnerian sopranos of the 20th century. Flagstad made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1935, where she became a frequent performer, as well as performing in many of the world’s other great opera houses.
During World War II, Flagstad was a controversial figure due to her performances in Nazi Germany, which led to her being temporarily blacklisted in the United States after the war. However, she eventually regained her popularity and continued to perform internationally until her retirement in 1958. Flagstad received numerous honors during her career, including being appointed a Commander of the Order of St. Olav in Norway, and was posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1966.
20. Mirella Freni
Mirella Freni was an Italian opera singer who was known for her powerful and emotional soprano voice. She was born in Modena, Italy in 1935 and started singing at an early age, performing in her first opera when she was just 10 years old. Her talent was quickly recognized and she began her professional career in 1955, debuting as Micaela in Bizet’s “Carmen.”
Freni was highly regarded for her interpretations of Italian opera, especially the works of Verdi and Puccini. She was known for her warm and expressive voice, as well as her ability to convey complex emotions through her singing. Some of her most famous roles included Mimi in Puccini’s “La bohème,” Desdemona in Verdi’s “Otello,” and Juliette in Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette.”
Freni’s career spanned over four decades and she performed in some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, La Scala in Milan, and the Royal Opera House in London. She was also a respected voice teacher later in life, passing on her knowledge and experience to future generations of opera singers.
Freni received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 2005. She passed away in 2020 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
