Opera, a genre that marries dramatic narrative with powerful music, has produced some of the most talented and iconic voices in the history of classical music. The Top Most Popular 15 Best Opera Singers of All Time celebrates these extraordinary artists whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of opera. From the breathtaking soprano arias to the robust tenor notes, these singers have captivated audiences with their exceptional vocal range, emotive performances, and technical prowess. This list includes legends like Luciano Pavarotti, whose effortless high Cs and charismatic stage presence earned him global acclaim, and Maria Callas, whose dramatic interpretations and vocal versatility set the standard for operatic excellence. Other luminaries such as Placido Domingo, renowned for his longevity and diverse repertoire, and Joan Sutherland, famed for her purity of tone and impeccable coloratura technique, are also featured. Each of these artists has brought unique qualities to their performances, enriching the opera landscape and inspiring generations of singers and listeners alike. This article delves into their remarkable careers, highlighting their most celebrated roles and the lasting legacy they have left in the operatic world.
1. José Carreras
José Carreras, renowned for his expressive lyric tenor voice, is one of the most beloved and acclaimed opera singers of all time. Born in Barcelona, Spain, Carreras began his career in the 1960s and quickly gained international recognition for his exceptional vocal range and emotional depth. His performances in operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti are legendary, captivating audiences with their passion and intensity.
Carreras’s fame reached new heights with his participation in the groundbreaking “The Three Tenors” concerts alongside Luciano Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo, which introduced opera to a wider audience and became some of the best-selling classical recordings in history. Despite facing a life-threatening illness in the late 1980s, Carreras made a remarkable comeback and continued to enchant audiences with his rich voice and heartfelt interpretations.
Beyond his operatic achievements, Carreras is also known for his humanitarian efforts, particularly his work to raise funds for cancer research through the José Carreras International Leukemia Foundation. His contributions to opera and his philanthropic work have solidified his place as one of the greatest and most beloved opera singers of all time.
2. Jessye Norman
Jessye Norman, an American soprano celebrated for her magnificent voice and profound artistry, is revered as one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. Born in Georgia in 1945, Norman’s talent was evident from a young age, and she went on to study music at Howard University and the University of Michigan.
Norman’s operatic career soared to international acclaim with her performances in works by Wagner, Strauss, and Verdi, among others. Her voice, characterized by its soaring power and velvety richness, was matched by her exceptional musicianship and dramatic interpretation. She graced the stages of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House.
Beyond opera, Norman was celebrated for her performances of art songs, spirituals, and other genres, showcasing her versatility and depth as an artist. Her recordings, including a Grammy-winning album of spirituals, continue to inspire audiences worldwide.
Throughout her career, Norman broke barriers for African-American artists in opera and received numerous accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honor and the National Medal of Arts. Her legacy as a trailblazer and a vocal powerhouse cements her status as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
3. Franco Corelli
Franco Corelli, an Italian tenor whose voice was renowned for its power, beauty, and electrifying stage presence, is revered as one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. Born in 1921 in Ancona, Italy, Corelli rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, captivating audiences with his thrilling performances in operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti.
Corelli’s voice was characterized by its heroic sound, ringing top notes, and effortless projection, earning him the nickname “The Prince of Tenors.” His interpretation of roles like Radamès in “Aida” and Calaf in “Turandot” became legendary, showcasing his vocal prowess and dramatic intensity.
Beyond his vocal talents, Corelli was known for his striking good looks and charismatic stage presence, which endeared him to audiences worldwide. His recordings, particularly those with soprano Maria Callas, remain cherished classics.
Despite retiring from the opera stage in the 1970s, Corelli’s legacy endures, with many considering him one of the finest tenors of the 20th century. His recordings and live performances continue to inspire opera lovers and aspiring singers, ensuring his place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
4. Marilyn Horne
Marilyn Horne, an American mezzo-soprano whose exceptional vocal range, agility, and expressive depth captivated audiences for decades, is celebrated as one of the greatest opera singers of her generation. Born in Pennsylvania in 1934, Horne’s talent was evident from a young age, and she went on to study music at the University of Southern California.
Horne’s operatic career spanned over four decades, during which she dazzled audiences with her performances in operas by Rossini, Handel, and Mozart, among others. Her voice, known for its warm, rich tone and remarkable flexibility, was perfectly suited to the demanding bel canto repertoire, earning her acclaim as one of the foremost interpreters of this style.
Horne’s vocal artistry extended beyond opera, as she was also celebrated for her performances of art songs, oratorios, and American classics. Her recordings, including Grammy-winning albums of Rossini arias and American songs, showcase her extraordinary talent and versatility.
Throughout her career, Horne received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and the Kennedy Center Honor. Her legacy as a vocal powerhouse and champion of the bel canto repertoire solidifies her place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
5. Jussi Björling
Jussi Björling, a Swedish tenor whose sublime voice and exquisite phrasing captivated audiences and critics alike, is revered as one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. Born in 1911 into a family of opera singers, Björling made his debut at the age of five and went on to study at the Royal Swedish Opera School.
Björling’s operatic career flourished in the 1930s and 1940s, during which he became renowned for his performances in operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner. His voice, characterized by its effortless power, sweetness, and purity of tone, was perfectly suited to the lyric and spinto roles of the Italian and French repertoire.
Björling’s artistry was not limited to opera, as he also excelled in lieder and oratorio, showcasing his versatility and musicianship. His recordings, including a celebrated rendition of “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot,” continue to inspire opera lovers and singers worldwide.
Despite his untimely death in 1960 at the age of 49, Björling’s legacy endures, with many considering him one of the greatest tenors of all time. His recordings and live performances remain cherished classics, ensuring his place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
6. Joan Sutherland
Joan Sutherland, an Australian soprano whose dazzling coloratura and extraordinary vocal range made her one of the most acclaimed opera singers of the 20th century, is celebrated for her contributions to the bel canto repertoire. Born in Sydney in 1926, Sutherland initially pursued a career in piano before transitioning to singing.
Sutherland’s operatic career took off in the 1950s and 1960s, during which she became renowned for her performances in operas by Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini. Her voice, known for its crystalline purity, agility, and power, was perfectly suited to the demanding roles of the bel canto style, earning her the nickname “La Stupenda.”
Sutherland’s artistry extended beyond opera, as she was also acclaimed for her performances in oratorio and concert repertoire. Her recordings, including a Grammy-winning album of arias from Handel’s operas, showcase her remarkable vocal talent and musicianship.
Throughout her career, Sutherland received numerous accolades, including a Damehood from Queen Elizabeth II and the Order of Merit from the Australian government. Her legacy as a vocal virtuoso and champion of the bel canto style cements her place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
7. Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli, an Italian tenor whose captivating voice and heartfelt performances have made him one of the most popular and beloved opera singers of modern times, is celebrated for his ability to blend classical and pop music styles. Born in Tuscany in 1958, Bocelli’s talent was evident from a young age, despite being born with congenital glaucoma that eventually led to his blindness.
Bocelli’s rise to fame began in the 1990s, propelled by his powerful and emotive singing style. His crossover success, blending classical arias with popular songs, has endeared him to audiences around the world, reaching beyond traditional opera circles to mainstream listeners.
Bocelli’s voice, known for its warm, lyrical quality and emotional depth, is perfectly suited to both classical repertoire and contemporary ballads. His recordings, including albums like “Romanza” and “Sacred Arias,” have sold millions of copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling classical artists of all time.
Beyond his musical achievements, Bocelli is also known for his humanitarian work and advocacy for causes such as disability rights and education. His ability to touch hearts with his music and his generosity offstage have solidified his place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
8. Leontyne Price
Leontyne Price, an American soprano whose rich, velvety voice and powerful stage presence made her one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century, is revered for her contributions to the operatic world. Born in Mississippi in 1927, Price overcame racial barriers to become one of the first African-American sopranos to achieve international acclaim.
Price’s operatic career spanned over three decades, during which she graced the stages of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House. Her performances in operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart were lauded for their vocal beauty, dramatic intensity, and emotional depth.
Price’s voice, known for its warmth, clarity, and flexibility, was perfectly suited to a wide range of repertoire, from the lyric to the dramatic. Her interpretations of roles like Aida, Tosca, and Leonora in “Il Trovatore” are considered definitive, showcasing her extraordinary vocal talent and artistry.
Price’s recordings, including Grammy-winning albums of opera arias and spirituals, continue to inspire audiences and singers alike. Her legacy as a trailblazer for African-American artists in opera and her unparalleled artistry solidify her place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
9. Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Dmitri Hvorostovsky, a Russian baritone whose powerful voice, striking stage presence, and charismatic performances captivated audiences around the world, is celebrated as one of the greatest opera singers of his generation. Born in Siberia in 1962, Hvorostovsky’s talent was evident from a young age, and he went on to study at the Krasnoyarsk State Academy of Arts.
Hvorostovsky’s operatic career took off in the 1980s, during which he gained international acclaim for his performances in operas by Verdi, Tchaikovsky, and Mussorgsky. His voice, known for its dark, velvety timbre and expressive range, was perfectly suited to the dramatic roles of the Russian and Italian repertoire.
Hvorostovsky’s artistry extended beyond opera, as he was also celebrated for his performances of art songs and popular music. His recordings, including albums of Russian romances and Neapolitan songs, showcase his versatility and musicianship.
Throughout his career, Hvorostovsky received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations and the title of People’s Artist of Russia. His untimely death in 2017 at the age of 55 was a great loss to the opera world, but his recordings and live performances continue to inspire audiences and singers alike, ensuring his place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
10. Renata Tebaldi
Renata Tebaldi, an Italian soprano whose exquisite voice, profound artistry, and heartfelt performances made her one of the most revered opera singers of the 20th century, is celebrated for her contributions to the operatic world. Born in Pesaro, Italy, in 1922, Tebaldi’s talent was evident from a young age, and she went on to study at the Arrigo Boito Conservatory in Parma.
Tebaldi’s operatic career flourished in the 1940s and 1950s, during which she became renowned for her performances in operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Bellini. Her voice, known for its purity, warmth, and lyrical beauty, was perfectly suited to the lyric and spinto roles of the Italian repertoire.
Tebaldi’s artistry extended beyond opera, as she was also acclaimed for her performances of art songs and sacred music. Her recordings, including a celebrated rendition of “La Bohème” with conductor Arturo Toscanini, continue to inspire opera lovers and singers worldwide.
Throughout her career, Tebaldi received numerous accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honor and the title of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Her legacy as a vocal virtuoso and champion of the Italian operatic tradition cements her place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
11. Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti, an Italian tenor whose remarkable voice, charismatic performances, and popular appeal made him one of the most beloved opera singers of all time, is celebrated for his extraordinary talent and artistry. Born in Modena, Italy, in 1935, Pavarotti’s talent was evident from a young age, and he went on to study music and voice at the Modena Conservatory.
Pavarotti’s operatic career spanned over four decades, during which he graced the stages of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House. His performances in operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti were acclaimed for their beauty, power, and emotional depth.
Pavarotti’s voice, known for its bright, clear tone and effortless high notes, was perfectly suited to the lyric and spinto roles of the Italian repertoire. His recordings, including the iconic rendition of “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot,” have sold millions of copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling classical artists of all time.
Beyond his operatic achievements, Pavarotti was also known for his humanitarian work, including the “Pavarotti & Friends” charity concerts, which raised millions of dollars for various causes. His ability to transcend cultural boundaries and touch the hearts of millions with his music solidifies his place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
12. Maria Callas
Maria Callas, an American-born Greek soprano whose extraordinary voice, dramatic intensity, and profound artistry made her one of the most legendary opera singers of the 20th century, is celebrated for her incomparable contributions to the world of opera. Born in New York City in 1923 to Greek parents, Callas began her career in Greece before making her international debut in Italy in 1947.
Callas’s operatic career soared to great heights in the 1950s and 1960s, during which she became renowned for her performances in operas by Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi. Her voice, known for its wide range, distinctive timbre, and emotional depth, was perfectly suited to the demanding roles of the bel canto and dramatic repertoire.
Callas’s artistry extended beyond her vocal talents, as she was also acclaimed for her dramatic interpretations and stage presence. Her recordings, including iconic performances in operas like “Norma” and “Tosca,” continue to inspire opera lovers and singers worldwide.
Despite facing vocal challenges later in her career, Callas’s legacy endures, with many considering her one of the greatest sopranos of all time. Her recordings and live performances remain benchmarks for singers and opera enthusiasts, ensuring her place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
13. Plácido Domingo
Plácido Domingo, a Spanish tenor whose remarkable voice, versatility, and enduring career have made him one of the most celebrated opera singers of all time, is revered for his exceptional talent and artistry. Born in Madrid in 1941, Domingo’s talent was evident from a young age, and he went on to study music and voice at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City.
Domingo’s operatic career has spanned over six decades, during which he has performed in over 150 roles and graced the stages of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House. His performances in operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner have been acclaimed for their vocal brilliance, dramatic power, and emotional depth.
Domingo’s voice, known for its warmth, richness, and flexibility, is perfectly suited to a wide range of repertoire, from the lyric to the dramatic. His recordings, including Grammy-winning albums of opera arias and zarzuela, continue to delight audiences and inspire aspiring singers worldwide.
Beyond his operatic achievements, Domingo is also known for his conducting and humanitarian work, including his role as the founder of the Operalia competition for young opera singers. His enduring legacy as one of the greatest tenors of all time solidifies his place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
14. Renée Fleming
Renée Fleming, an American soprano whose exquisite voice, versatility, and artistry have made her one of the most celebrated opera singers of her generation, is revered for her exceptional talent and contributions to the world of opera. Born in Indiana in 1959, Fleming’s talent was evident from a young age, and she went on to study music at the Juilliard School and the Eastman School of Music.
Fleming’s operatic career has spanned over three decades, during which she has graced the stages of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House. Her performances in operas by Mozart, Strauss, and Verdi have been acclaimed for their vocal beauty, dramatic intensity, and emotional depth.
Fleming’s voice, known for its lyricism, warmth, and flexibility, is perfectly suited to a wide range of repertoire, from the Baroque to contemporary works. Her recordings, including Grammy-winning albums of opera arias and art songs, continue to inspire audiences and aspiring singers worldwide.
Beyond her operatic achievements, Fleming is also known for her crossover success, collaborating with artists from other genres and performing at major events, including the Super Bowl and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Her impact on the world of opera and her enduring legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of her time solidify her place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.
15. Enrico Caruso
Enrico Caruso, an Italian tenor whose extraordinary voice, charisma, and enduring legacy have made him one of the most iconic opera singers of all time, is revered for his exceptional talent and artistry. Born in Naples, Italy, in 1873, Caruso’s talent was evident from a young age, and he went on to study music and voice at the Naples Conservatory.
Caruso’s operatic career spanned over two decades, during which he became renowned for his performances in operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti. His voice, known for its power, beauty, and emotional depth, was perfectly suited to the lyric and dramatic roles of the Italian repertoire.
Caruso’s recordings, made between 1902 and 1920, remain some of the most revered and best-selling in classical music history. His renditions of arias and songs from operas and Neapolitan songs captured the hearts of millions around the world and helped popularize opera in the early 20th century.
Beyond his vocal talents, Caruso was also known for his acting ability and stage presence, bringing a new level of realism and emotion to his performances. His impact on the world of opera and his enduring legacy as one of the greatest tenors of all time solidify his place as one of the most popular and best opera singers of all time.