Opera is where music, drama, and raw human emotion collide in a breathtaking spectacle that has captivated audiences for centuries. From the soaring arias that pierce the soul to the electrifying performances that leave spectators spellbound, opera is an art form that demands extraordinary talent and unwavering passion. At its core are the singers—masters of their craft whose voices transcend the boundaries of language and time. These vocal powerhouses don’t just sing; they embody characters, tell stories, and evoke emotions that resonate deeply with audiences around the world.
In this article, we celebrate the top 15 best opera singers of all time—artists whose exceptional voices have earned them a place in the pantheon of greatness. From the golden age of opera to contemporary legends, these singers have pushed the boundaries of what the human voice can achieve. Whether it’s the dramatic intensity of a tenor’s high C, the velvety richness of a mezzo-soprano, or the commanding presence of a bass, these artists have redefined what it means to perform on the grand stage.
Join us as we take a journey through the world of opera’s finest voices, exploring their remarkable careers, unforgettable performances, and lasting legacies. Let the music begin!
1. Luciano Pavarotti
Dubbed the “King of the High C’s,” Luciano Pavarotti was more than just an opera singer—he was a global musical icon. With his radiant, crystal-clear tenor and effortless top notes, he brought operatic arias to the masses, introducing millions to the beauty of classical music. His voice, powerful yet warm, had a uniquely lyrical quality that could soar effortlessly through even the grandest opera houses.
Pavarotti’s career spanned decades, and he became known for his commanding performances in operas such as La Bohème, Tosca, and Turandot. His rendition of “Nessun dorma” remains one of the most famous operatic recordings of all time, immortalized in sporting events, films, and concerts worldwide. Beyond the opera stage, he bridged the gap between classical and popular music, collaborating with artists like Bono, Sting, and Elton John, further broadening his appeal.
His charismatic personality and genuine love for music made him a beloved figure even beyond the world of opera. Whether performing for royalty, world leaders, or in his famous Pavarotti & Friends charity concerts, his voice never failed to move audiences. His legacy lives on in recordings and in the countless singers he has inspired, proving that the power of opera can touch hearts across generations.
2. Maria Callas
Maria Callas, known as “La Divina,” was more than just a soprano—she was a force of nature. With her uniquely expressive voice and magnetic stage presence, she redefined what it meant to be an opera singer. Callas was not just about vocal perfection; she was about emotion, drama, and storytelling. She brought operatic characters to life in a way that no one before her had, making audiences feel the passion, heartbreak, and intensity of every role she portrayed.
Her voice had an instantly recognizable timbre—rich, haunting, and full of depth. She had an extraordinary ability to shift from fiery power to breathtaking delicacy, capturing every nuance of a character’s emotions. Her performances in Norma, Tosca, and La Traviata are still considered the gold standard, and her dramatic interpretations of roles like Medea and Violetta remain unmatched.
Beyond her vocal artistry, Callas was a true diva in every sense of the word—passionate, uncompromising, and deeply committed to her art. Her personal life was often as dramatic as her performances, with high-profile relationships and legendary feuds only adding to her mystique. But above all, she was an artist who poured every ounce of herself into her music. Decades after her passing, she remains one of opera’s most revered figures, proving that true artistry transcends time.
3. Plácido Domingo
Few opera singers have had careers as long and diverse as Plácido Domingo. A true powerhouse of the operatic world, Domingo has performed over 150 roles—more than any other tenor in history. His voice, originally a rich, dramatic tenor, later transitioned into baritone roles, demonstrating his incredible vocal adaptability and endurance.
Domingo’s career skyrocketed in the 1970s and 1980s, with unforgettable performances in Otello, La Bohème, Carmen, and Tosca. His dramatic intensity and commanding stage presence made him a natural for powerful, emotionally charged roles. He was also a master of phrasing, infusing his performances with an unparalleled depth of expression.
Beyond the opera house, Domingo became a household name as part of The Three Tenors, alongside Pavarotti and José Carreras. Their legendary concerts in the 1990s introduced millions of new listeners to opera and solidified Domingo’s status as a global superstar. He also expanded his influence into conducting and arts administration, helping to nurture the next generation of opera talent.
Even after decades in the industry, Domingo continues to perform, demonstrating an astonishing level of dedication and passion for his craft. His career is a testament to resilience, artistry, and the enduring power of a truly great voice.
4. Joan Sutherland
Joan Sutherland, affectionately known as “La Stupenda,” was one of the greatest coloratura sopranos in history. Her voice was nothing short of extraordinary—pure, agile, and capable of executing some of the most difficult vocal runs with breathtaking precision. She was a master of the bel canto repertoire, effortlessly navigating the intricate melodies of Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini with a clarity and control that few could match.
Her breakthrough came in 1959 with her role in Lucia di Lammermoor, a performance that cemented her as a legend overnight. Her “mad scene” in Lucia remains one of the most dazzling displays of vocal agility ever recorded. Other signature roles included La Sonnambula, Norma, and I Puritani, where her extraordinary technique and effortless high notes left audiences in awe.
Unlike many sopranos who focused solely on vocal fireworks, Sutherland also brought warmth and expressiveness to her singing. She had a rare ability to make even the most technically challenging passages sound natural and effortless. Her partnership with conductor and husband Richard Bonynge helped shape her career, allowing her to revive and popularize forgotten bel canto operas.
Even among the greats, Sutherland’s voice stood apart. Her legacy lives on through her recordings, which remain essential listening for any opera lover. Few singers have ever matched her level of technical brilliance, making her a true icon of the operatic world.
5. Enrico Caruso
Enrico Caruso was the first true superstar of recorded music. Born in 1873, he became one of the most famous tenors of all time, setting the standard for operatic singing in the early 20th century. His voice was rich, expressive, and full of warmth, capable of conveying deep emotion with every note. Even in the primitive recording technology of his time, his vocal brilliance shines through, captivating listeners more than a century later.
Caruso’s repertoire spanned a wide range of operas, from Verdi’s Rigoletto to Puccini’s La Bohème. His ability to blend power and tenderness made his interpretations unforgettable. His recording of “Vesti la giubba” from Pagliacci remains one of the most iconic opera recordings ever made, capturing the raw despair of a performer forced to hide his heartbreak behind a painted smile.
Beyond his vocal mastery, Caruso was also a charismatic performer with an engaging stage presence. His natural expressiveness and ability to connect with audiences made him a beloved figure both on and off the stage. He was one of the first singers to fully embrace recording technology, ensuring his voice would be preserved for future generations.
Though he passed away in 1921, Caruso’s influence on opera and vocal technique is still felt today. He set the bar for operatic tenors, and his recordings remain essential listening for anyone who appreciates great singing. Caruso wasn’t just a great opera singer—he was a legend whose voice continues to resonate through history.
6. Renata Tebaldi
Renata Tebaldi’s voice was often described as “the voice of an angel,” and for good reason. Her lush, velvety soprano had an unmatched warmth and richness, making her one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. While many singers focused on technical brilliance, Tebaldi stood out for her ability to bring deep emotional sincerity to her performances, captivating audiences with every note.
Her repertoire was centered around the operas of Verdi and Puccini, where her dramatic yet elegant phrasing brought heroines like Desdemona (Otello) and Mimì (La Bohème) to life. Perhaps her most famous role was Tosca, in which she delivered the aria “Vissi d’arte” with such heartfelt intensity that it remains one of the most cherished renditions of all time. Her performances in Aida, La Forza del Destino, and Madama Butterfly further solidified her reputation as one of the finest sopranos of her era.
Tebaldi was famously compared to Maria Callas, leading to one of the most legendary “rivalries” in opera history. While Callas was known for her fiery dramatics and unconventional vocal style, Tebaldi was admired for the sheer beauty and purity of her voice. Though often pitted against each other, both singers left an indelible mark on the opera world in their own way.
Despite her fame, Tebaldi remained humble and dedicated to her craft. She was beloved not only for her artistry but also for her grace and kindness. Even after retiring from the stage, her recordings continued to inspire generations of singers, ensuring that her voice would never be forgotten.
7. Fritz Wunderlich
Fritz Wunderlich possessed one of the most naturally beautiful tenor voices ever recorded. His tone was warm, golden, and effortlessly lyrical, making him a favorite among opera lovers worldwide. His voice had a youthful brightness, yet it carried a deep emotional resonance that could move audiences to tears.
Wunderlich was particularly renowned for his performances in the German repertoire, excelling in Mozart roles such as Tamino in Die Zauberflöte and Belmonte in Die Entführung aus dem Serail. His Mozart interpretations were hailed as near-perfect, characterized by elegance, clarity, and expressive phrasing. Beyond Mozart, he was also a master of lieder, bringing a rare depth of feeling to the art songs of Schubert and Schumann. His recordings of Dichterliebe and Die schöne Müllerin remain essential listening for lovers of classical song.
Tragically, Wunderlich’s career was cut short at the age of 35 when he died in a sudden accident. His untimely passing left the opera world mourning the loss of a singer who was still at the peak of his powers. Despite his brief career, his recordings continue to captivate listeners, preserving his voice as one of the greatest ever captured on record.
His artistry was not just about vocal technique—it was about storytelling, about making music feel deeply personal. To this day, his voice is celebrated for its sheer beauty and sincerity, a testament to a talent taken too soon but never forgotten.
8. Montserrat Caballé
Montserrat Caballé was a soprano of breathtaking vocal beauty and technical mastery. Known for her seemingly endless breath control and exquisite pianissimo, she could sustain high notes with an ethereal delicacy that few singers could match. Her voice was both powerful and graceful, capable of soaring over an orchestra while still retaining a sense of intimacy and warmth.
Caballé excelled in the bel canto repertoire, with roles in Norma, Lucrezia Borgia, and Il Pirata showcasing her agility and stunning vocal precision. Her performance of Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux remains legendary, demonstrating her ability to blend dazzling technique with deep emotional expression. While her bel canto roles were highlights, she also triumphed in Verdi and Puccini operas, and her Tosca and Aida performances were nothing short of spellbinding.
One of the most surprising yet iconic moments of her career came when she collaborated with Freddie Mercury on the song Barcelona. Their duet became an unexpected crossover hit, blending opera and rock in a way that captivated fans of both genres. This unexpected venture showcased her versatility and her willingness to experiment beyond traditional opera.
Caballé’s career spanned more than five decades, and her impact on opera remains profound. Whether on grand opera stages or in unique collaborations, she always brought an unmistakable elegance and artistry to her music. Her recordings remain treasured, a reminder of a voice that was truly one of a kind.
9. Jussi Björling
Jussi Björling’s voice was the epitome of purity and grace. The Swedish tenor had a golden, lyrical sound that was both effortlessly powerful and deeply expressive. His phrasing was immaculate, his tone warm and ringing, and his ability to convey emotion through music was nothing short of extraordinary.
Björling was a master of the Italian and French repertoire, excelling in roles such as Rodolfo in La Bohème, Cavaradossi in Tosca, and Manrico in Il Trovatore. His recording of La Bohème alongside Victoria de los Ángeles remains one of the most beloved versions of Puccini’s masterpiece. Yet, it was in Verdi and Donizetti roles where his voice truly shone, blending power with a poetic sensitivity that few tenors could achieve.
He also had a strong presence in the Scandinavian opera tradition, bringing his uniquely Nordic sound to works by composers such as Sibelius and Grieg. His interpretations of lieder and art songs were equally compelling, demonstrating his versatility beyond the operatic stage.
Despite battling personal struggles, including health issues and alcoholism, Björling remained a remarkable artist throughout his career. His legacy lives on through his recordings, which continue to be regarded as some of the finest examples of operatic singing. Many consider him the greatest Swedish tenor of all time, and his voice remains a gold standard for tenors to this day.
10. Leontyne Price
Leontyne Price was a trailblazer in opera, shattering racial barriers and becoming one of the first African American singers to achieve international stardom in the classical world. With her radiant, soaring soprano and commanding stage presence, she was a true powerhouse, embodying strength, grace, and vocal brilliance.
Her voice had a unique, rich quality—a golden timbre that combined warmth, power, and remarkable control. She was especially known for her Verdi roles, excelling as Aida, Amelia (Un Ballo in Maschera), and Leonora (Il Trovatore). Her Aida remains one of the most celebrated interpretations of all time, setting a standard that few have been able to match. She brought not only technical excellence to the role but also an emotional depth that made her performances unforgettable.
Beyond Verdi, Price also thrived in Puccini and Mozart operas, delivering stunning performances in Tosca and Don Giovanni. Her ability to shape a phrase with incredible nuance made her lieder and art song performances just as captivating as her operatic roles.
Price’s impact extended beyond her artistry. She broke barriers in an industry that had historically excluded Black singers, proving that talent and artistry transcend racial boundaries. Her influence paved the way for future generations of African American opera singers, and her legacy as both an artist and a pioneer continues to be celebrated. Even after her retirement from the stage, her recordings and contributions to opera remain a lasting inspiration.
11. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau was a master of musical storytelling, renowned for his profound interpretations of German lieder and operatic roles. His baritone voice was a model of refinement, intelligence, and expressive subtlety. Unlike singers who relied on sheer vocal power, Fischer-Dieskau captivated audiences with his ability to convey deep emotion through nuanced phrasing and dynamic control.
He was best known for his interpretations of Schubert’s Winterreise and Die schöne Müllerin, where his sensitivity to text and musical detail made each song feel like a deeply personal journey. His ability to inhabit the characters within these songs—whether melancholic wanderers or passionate lovers—set a new standard for the genre. His recordings of Schumann’s Dichterliebe and Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen further cemented his reputation as the greatest interpreter of German art song.
Although primarily known as a lieder singer, Fischer-Dieskau also had a significant operatic career. His roles in Wagner, particularly as Wolfram in Tannhäuser, and Verdi, such as Germont in La Traviata, showcased his versatility and dramatic depth. His Mozart performances, especially as Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro, were celebrated for their elegance and aristocratic charm.
Fischer-Dieskau’s impact on vocal performance cannot be overstated. His meticulous attention to text and ability to make each word resonate emotionally changed the way singers approached interpretation. His influence continues to be felt among baritones and vocalists across genres, making him one of the most significant classical singers of the 20th century.
12. Cecilia Bartoli
Cecilia Bartoli is a force of nature in the opera world, known for her dazzling vocal agility, infectious energy, and fearless approach to repertoire. As a mezzo-soprano with an astonishingly flexible voice, she has revived lesser-known works while redefining some of the most beloved operatic roles.
Her expertise in baroque and bel canto music has set her apart from many of her contemporaries. She has breathed new life into the music of Handel, Vivaldi, and Rossini, dazzling audiences with her rapid-fire coloratura and impeccable technique. Her performances in La Cenerentola, L’Italiana in Algeri, and Semiramide are considered definitive, showcasing her ability to combine vocal fireworks with deep emotional expression.
Beyond her vocal brilliance, Bartoli is known for her fearless curiosity and passion for musical research. She has unearthed forgotten masterpieces, championing works that might have remained obscure without her efforts. Albums such as Sacrificium and Maria highlight her commitment to historical authenticity and artistic exploration.
Her stage presence is just as captivating as her voice. She brings an infectious charisma to her performances, making her characters feel dynamic and deeply human. Whether in comic operas or dramatic roles, Bartoli has a gift for connecting with her audience, making every performance a unique and thrilling experience.
Bartoli’s influence extends far beyond the stage—she has inspired a new generation of singers to approach music with curiosity and a sense of adventure. With her ongoing dedication to revitalizing forgotten works and challenging musical norms, she remains one of the most exciting and innovative opera singers of our time.
13. Kirsten Flagstad
Kirsten Flagstad was one of the greatest Wagnerian sopranos of all time, possessing a voice of extraordinary power, warmth, and richness. Her performances in roles such as Brünnhilde (Die Walküre) and Isolde (Tristan und Isolde) set the gold standard for dramatic sopranos, and her interpretations remain unmatched to this day.
Her voice was a phenomenon—majestic in its strength yet effortlessly lyrical. Unlike some dramatic sopranos who struggled with agility or warmth in their tone, Flagstad combined technical mastery with an emotional depth that made her performances unforgettable. Her long, arching phrases and seemingly endless breath control allowed her to deliver Wagner’s demanding music with a rare ease and beauty.
She became internationally famous when she debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 1935 as Sieglinde in Die Walküre. Her performance was an instant sensation, launching her into operatic superstardom. Flagstad’s collaborations with conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler in Wagner’s operas produced some of the most legendary recordings of all time, particularly her interpretations of Tristan und Isolde and Die Walküre.
Despite facing controversy due to her decision to remain in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II, Flagstad’s artistic contributions remained undeniable. After the war, she returned triumphantly to opera houses and concert stages, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. Her impact on Wagnerian singing continues to influence dramatic sopranos, and her recordings remain essential listening for opera enthusiasts.
14. Franco Corelli
Franco Corelli was the very definition of a tenor superstar—his thrilling voice, commanding stage presence, and matinee-idol looks made him one of opera’s most electrifying performers. Known for his incredible high notes, passionate phrasing, and undeniable charisma, he was a favorite of audiences and opera lovers worldwide.
Corelli excelled in the Italian repertoire, particularly in Verdi and Puccini operas. His portrayal of Calaf in Turandot—especially his rendition of the famous aria Nessun dorma—was legendary for its power and dramatic intensity. He also shone as Manrico in Il Trovatore, Don José in Carmen, and Cavaradossi in Tosca, roles that required both vocal brilliance and strong dramatic presence.
One of Corelli’s trademarks was his fearless approach to high notes. He could sustain ringing, powerful top notes with an ease that few tenors could match, thrilling audiences with his vocal daring. His stage performances were often larger than life, filled with fiery passion that made his characters unforgettable.
Despite his reputation for having a temperamental personality, Corelli was beloved by fans and respected by colleagues for his immense talent. He was known for his perfectionism, often pushing himself to achieve the highest level of performance possible.
Even after retiring, Corelli remained a benchmark for Italian operatic singing. His recordings continue to inspire young tenors, and his voice remains one of the most exciting in opera history. His legacy as a singer who combined beauty, power, and raw emotion ensures that he will never be forgotten.
15. Anna Netrebko
Anna Netrebko is one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 21st century, known for her lush, powerful voice, magnetic stage presence, and ability to bring operatic characters to vivid life. She has taken the opera world by storm, captivating audiences with her stunning vocal artistry and dramatic versatility.
Netrebko’s repertoire spans a wide range, from bel canto heroines like Lucia (Lucia di Lammermoor) to Verdi’s powerhouse roles, including Lady Macbeth and Leonora (Il Trovatore). She has also delivered breathtaking performances as Tatiana in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin and the tragic heroine in Manon Lescaut. Her ability to transition seamlessly between different vocal styles and dramatic demands sets her apart as one of the most versatile sopranos of her generation.
Beyond her voice, Netrebko’s stage presence is undeniable. She fully inhabits her roles, bringing depth and nuance to every character she portrays. Whether playing a vulnerable young woman or a commanding, regal figure, she captivates with her emotional intensity and expressive acting.
Her rise to fame was meteoric, and she has remained a dominant force in the opera world for over two decades. She has performed on the grandest stages, from the Metropolitan Opera to La Scala, and her recordings continue to reach audiences far beyond traditional opera fans.
With her rich, expressive soprano and fearless artistic choices, Anna Netrebko has secured her place among opera’s greatest stars. Her influence continues to shape the opera world, proving that classical music can be as dynamic and captivating as any modern art form.
Edward Tomlin 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.
