Opera is one of the most enchanting and emotionally powerful art forms in the world. For centuries, it has captivated audiences with its dramatic stories, breathtaking music, and the unparalleled artistry of its singers. Opera singers are not just vocalists—they are storytellers, performers, and masters of their craft who transport us to other worlds with their towering voices and heart-stirring performances. From the soaring arias of Puccini to the intricate compositions of Mozart, the best opera singers of all time have left an indelible mark on the history of music and our hearts.
In this article, we celebrate the top 15 opera singers who have defined the genre and earned their places as legends of the stage. These vocal powerhouses have mesmerized audiences with their versatility, technique, and raw emotion, embodying the very soul of opera. Whether you’re a lifelong opera enthusiast or a newcomer exploring its wonders, you’ll be inspired by the voices that have shaped this timeless art form. From the golden age of Caruso to the modern brilliance of Pavarotti, join us as we explore the lives, legacies, and unparalleled performances of these extraordinary artists who continue to define what it means to be the best.
1. Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti, widely celebrated as the “King of the High Cs,” was more than just an opera singer—he was a cultural icon who introduced classical music to a global audience. His powerful yet effortless tenor voice made operatic arias accessible to millions, transcending the boundaries of the classical genre.
Pavarotti’s interpretation of Nessun Dorma from Puccini’s Turandot remains one of the most recognizable performances in classical music history. The passion, precision, and sheer vocal brilliance he brought to this piece left audiences mesmerized, proving why he was regarded as one of the greatest tenors of all time. Songs like La donna è mobile from Verdi’s Rigoletto showcased his exceptional agility and his ability to inject charm and emotion into every note.
His larger-than-life presence extended beyond opera houses, making classical music feel more relatable. He was a key member of The Three Tenors, alongside Plácido Domingo and José Carreras, bringing opera to stadium-sized audiences. His humanitarian efforts, including benefit concerts for children and refugees, further demonstrated his deep compassion and generosity.
Even after his passing, Pavarotti’s influence continues to shape the opera world. His recordings remain a gold standard for aspiring tenors, and his impact on the genre is immeasurable. Few voices have ever possessed his combination of technical mastery, warmth, and soul-stirring emotion.
2. Maria Callas
Maria Callas, known as “La Divina,” revolutionized opera with her unparalleled dramatic intensity and mesmerizing stage presence. She wasn’t just a singer—she was an actress whose voice carried the full weight of the emotions behind every role she performed. Her ability to fuse technical brilliance with deep, expressive storytelling set her apart from all other sopranos of her time.
Her portrayal of Tosca in Puccini’s Tosca remains one of the most electrifying in opera history. Callas brought raw, fiery passion to the role, making audiences feel every moment of despair, love, and vengeance. Her Casta Diva from Bellini’s Norma is another legendary performance, showcasing her breathtaking ability to sustain long, floating phrases with both power and delicacy.
What made Callas truly special was her willingness to take risks, both vocally and dramatically. She had an astonishing ability to mold her voice to fit the character, making her performances feel authentic and deeply personal. Though her voice was not always conventionally beautiful, it carried an unmistakable intensity that brought operatic roles to life in a way few others could.
Even decades after her passing, Callas remains a towering figure in the world of opera. Her recordings continue to inspire singers, proving that opera is not just about hitting the right notes but about telling a story with heart and conviction.
3. Enrico Caruso
Enrico Caruso was one of the first true global superstars of opera, and his influence on classical music remains undeniable. He was a pioneer in the early days of recorded sound, making opera accessible to a much wider audience than ever before. His recordings, dating back to the early 1900s, captured the warmth, richness, and expressive depth of his voice, preserving his artistry for future generations.
Caruso was particularly known for his performances in Italian opera, excelling in roles composed by Verdi and Puccini. His rendition of Vesti la giubba from Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci is one of the most heartbreaking and powerful arias ever recorded, bringing out every ounce of the character’s anguish. His ability to blend effortless power with an emotional vulnerability made him a singer of unmatched appeal.
Beyond his voice, Caruso had a commanding stage presence that captivated audiences. His phrasing, his ability to shape a melody, and his impeccable diction made him one of the most respected tenors of all time. Though his life was tragically cut short at the age of 48, his impact on opera and recorded music history remains unparalleled.
Even in the modern era, Caruso’s name is synonymous with operatic excellence. His recordings continue to be studied and admired, serving as a benchmark for tenors aspiring to reach the heights of operatic greatness.
4. Plácido Domingo
Plácido Domingo is one of the most versatile and enduring opera singers of all time. With a career spanning more than six decades, he has performed over 150 roles, an astonishing feat that speaks to his adaptability, vocal stamina, and artistic excellence. Whether singing as a tenor or later transitioning to baritone roles, Domingo’s voice carries a distinctive warmth, richness, and expressiveness that captivates audiences.
He is particularly celebrated for his performances in Verdi’s Otello, a role that requires extraordinary vocal power and emotional depth. His interpretation of Niun mi tema in the opera’s final moments is hauntingly beautiful, filled with raw anguish and drama. His performances in Puccini’s La Bohème and Tosca further demonstrate his ability to bring both lyricism and power to his roles, making every character feel deeply human.
In addition to his solo career, Domingo gained worldwide fame as one of The Three Tenors alongside Luciano Pavarotti and José Carreras. Their concerts introduced opera to a broader audience, blending technical brilliance with an infectious love for music.
Even beyond singing, Domingo has expanded his influence by working as a conductor and opera administrator. His commitment to nurturing young talent through competitions and mentorship ensures that opera’s future remains bright. With his passion and dedication, Domingo’s legacy as one of the greatest opera singers of all time is firmly cemented.
5. Joan Sutherland
Nicknamed “La Stupenda,” Joan Sutherland was renowned for her remarkable vocal agility, pure tone, and ability to execute dazzlingly difficult coloratura passages with ease. She was a true master of bel canto opera, excelling in the works of Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini. Her voice had an ethereal quality, soaring effortlessly through even the most intricate melodies.
One of her most famous performances was in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, where she performed the demanding Mad Scene with stunning precision. Her ability to navigate the rapid vocal runs while maintaining an otherworldly expressiveness made her interpretation definitive. Sutherland also shone in Bellini’s Norma, a role that requires both technical brilliance and commanding stage presence.
What set Sutherland apart was not just her technique but also the warmth and fullness of her sound. While many coloratura sopranos have light, fluttery voices, Sutherland’s voice was rich and velvety, giving her performances a unique depth. She was also known for her humility and dedication to her craft, never allowing fame to overshadow her artistry.
Her collaborations with conductor and husband Richard Bonynge helped bring renewed interest to bel canto opera, reviving works that had fallen out of the standard repertoire. Even after her retirement, her recordings continue to inspire new generations of sopranos striving to achieve her level of vocal mastery.
6. Jussi Björling
Jussi Björling’s voice was one of the most beautiful ever recorded—a smooth, lyrical tenor sound that combined effortless technique with deep emotional resonance. Born in Sweden, he was a natural in Italian, French, and German opera, though his interpretations of Puccini and Verdi remain some of his most celebrated.
His portrayal of Rodolfo in Puccini’s La Bohème is considered one of the greatest of all time, filled with youthful passion and sincerity. His version of Che gelida manina is breathtaking, capturing the tenderness and hope of the character. Similarly, his Alfredo in Verdi’s La Traviata displayed both vocal brilliance and heartfelt emotion.
What made Björling exceptional was his ability to make even the most challenging phrases sound effortless. His high notes were pure and ringing, yet there was always a sense of control and refinement. Unlike some tenors who relied solely on power, Björling had an innate sense of phrasing that made his performances deeply moving.
Despite his immense success, his personal struggles with alcoholism and his early death at the age of 49 left a sense of what might have been. However, his recordings continue to be a benchmark for tenors aspiring to achieve his level of lyrical beauty and emotional depth.
7. Renata Tebaldi
Renata Tebaldi was known for her exquisite voice, often described as “golden” for its warmth, richness, and lyricism. She was one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 20th century, particularly admired for her performances in Verdi and Puccini operas. Unlike her contemporary and rival, Maria Callas, who was known for dramatic intensity, Tebaldi’s strength lay in her sumptuous tone and effortless legato.
Her interpretations of roles like Mimì in La Bohème and Desdemona in Otello were legendary, characterized by a vocal purity that conveyed both vulnerability and passion. When she sang Vissi d’arte in Puccini’s Tosca, her voice seemed to soar effortlessly, carrying deep emotion without ever losing its elegance. In Verdi’s Aida, she brought a regal presence to the title role, her powerful yet delicate phrasing making the character’s internal conflict deeply moving.
Tebaldi’s career flourished at a time when opera was transitioning into a more modern era, and she was one of the first true opera superstars. She performed extensively at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera, becoming one of the Met’s most beloved sopranos. Her recordings remain some of the finest examples of operatic singing, demonstrating her impeccable technique and lush vocal quality.
Despite her rivalry with Callas, which the media often exaggerated, Tebaldi remained a dignified and gracious artist, focusing on the beauty of her craft. Her voice, full of warmth and expressiveness, continues to be a benchmark for sopranos aspiring to master the Italian repertoire.
8. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau was a baritone of extraordinary depth, intelligence, and interpretative mastery. While he performed in opera, he is most celebrated for his contributions to German Lieder (art songs), particularly the works of Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, and Mahler. His ability to bring layers of meaning to every phrase made him one of the most influential classical singers of the 20th century.
Fischer-Dieskau’s performances of Schubert’s Winterreise and Die schöne Müllerin are considered definitive, capturing the psychological nuances of the poetry with stunning precision. His diction was impeccable, allowing listeners to hear every word with clarity, while his expressive phrasing made even the simplest melody feel profound. Unlike many singers who focused solely on vocal beauty, he used his voice as an instrument of storytelling, making every performance an emotional journey.
As an opera singer, he was a superb Wolfram in Wagner’s Tannhäuser, his O du mein holder Abendstern being a masterclass in legato singing. His performances as Count Almaviva in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro also showcased his ability to blend humor with aristocratic elegance.
Beyond his singing career, Fischer-Dieskau was a teacher, conductor, and author, further cementing his legacy as a scholar of music. His meticulous approach to interpreting lyrics and his nuanced vocal delivery continue to influence baritones today. Whether in song cycles, oratorio, or opera, he remains a gold standard for expressive and intellectual singing.
9. Leontyne Price
Leontyne Price was a trailblazer, breaking racial barriers to become one of the most revered sopranos in history. Her voice, known for its luxurious, velvety richness, made her an ideal interpreter of Verdi and Puccini. She possessed both the power to fill an opera house and the ability to deliver the softest, most delicate pianissimos with breathtaking control.
Her portrayal of Aida in Verdi’s Aida remains one of the most iconic interpretations of the role. She brought a combination of vocal grandeur and emotional depth to the character, making her performances unforgettable. Another defining moment in her career was her role as Leonora in Il Trovatore, where her soaring high notes and impeccable phrasing left audiences in awe.
Price’s Met Opera debut in Il Trovatore in 1961 was a historic event, marking the beginning of her dominance in the operatic world. She was one of the first African American singers to achieve international superstardom in opera, paving the way for future generations of Black classical artists.
She was also a brilliant recitalist, excelling in spirituals and art songs. Her interpretation of Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 remains a beloved recording, showcasing her ability to infuse every note with meaning. Even after retiring from full operatic performances, Price continued to captivate audiences with her voice in concerts and recordings. Her influence on opera and classical music is immeasurable, and her legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of all time remains unchallenged.
10. Fritz Wunderlich
Fritz Wunderlich was a tenor of extraordinary beauty and expressiveness, widely regarded as one of the finest lyric tenors of the 20th century. His voice possessed a golden warmth, impeccable phrasing, and an effortless upper register that made every performance a joy to listen to.
He was particularly celebrated for his interpretations of Mozart, excelling in roles like Tamino in The Magic Flute. His Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön remains one of the most exquisite renditions of the aria ever recorded, full of youthful wonder and effortless elegance. His performances as Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni and Belmonte in Die Entführung aus dem Serail showcased his ability to deliver rapid coloratura passages with astonishing precision.
But Wunderlich was not limited to Mozart. He also excelled in German Lieder, bringing warmth and emotional depth to songs by Schubert, Schumann, and Strauss. His recordings of Dichterliebe and Schöne Müllerin are considered benchmarks for tenor interpretations, with each phrase imbued with a natural, heartfelt sincerity.
Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 35 due to a fatal accident, leaving the world wondering what more he could have achieved. Despite his short career, his impact was immense, and his recordings continue to inspire and move listeners. He remains a shining example of what a true lyric tenor should sound like—elegant, expressive, and profoundly moving.
11. Anna Netrebko
Anna Netrebko is one of the most celebrated sopranos of the modern era, captivating audiences with her dazzling voice, magnetic stage presence, and unparalleled dramatic intensity. Her ability to bring opera characters to life has made her a global star, drawing both seasoned opera lovers and new fans to the genre.
Netrebko’s voice is known for its warmth, power, and flexibility, allowing her to sing a wide range of roles with remarkable ease. Her performance as Violetta in La Traviata is one of her most defining roles, showcasing her ability to navigate both the light, delicate coloratura passages and the dramatic, emotionally charged moments with equal mastery. Her portrayal of Tatiana in Eugene Onegin is another standout, blending vulnerability and passion into a deeply moving performance.
Beyond her vocal talents, Netrebko’s charisma and stage presence set her apart. She commands attention the moment she steps on stage, embodying her characters with an intensity that feels both authentic and larger than life. Her collaborations with conductors and fellow singers have produced some of the most memorable opera performances of the 21st century.
In addition to her operatic success, Netrebko has embraced crossover projects, expanding her reach beyond traditional opera audiences. Her recordings feature everything from Russian art songs to more contemporary classical pieces, displaying her versatility as an artist. With her fearless approach to music and electrifying performances, Netrebko continues to shape the future of opera and inspire a new generation of singers.
12. Nicolai Gedda
Nicolai Gedda was a tenor of exceptional versatility, possessing a voice that was both lyrical and powerful, with an astonishing command of multiple languages. Over his long and distinguished career, he became known for his ability to sing in over seven languages, making him one of the most adaptable and technically proficient opera singers of his time.
His interpretations of French opera, particularly in roles like Faust in Gounod’s Faust and Hoffmann in Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann, were celebrated for their elegance and expressiveness. He also excelled in Mozart, bringing a refined, agile quality to roles like Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni and Tamino in The Magic Flute. His voice had a natural brightness that made every phrase sound effortless, yet he was also capable of deep emotional expression.
Gedda’s versatility extended beyond opera. He was a master of Lieder, excelling in German song cycles by Schubert, Schumann, and Strauss. His recordings of Russian and Swedish songs further showcased his remarkable linguistic and stylistic range. Unlike many tenors, he was able to transition seamlessly between different styles, making him one of the most in-demand singers of his generation.
Throughout his career, Gedda remained a consummate professional, known for his disciplined approach to music and his commitment to vocal excellence. His legacy is preserved in an extensive catalog of recordings, many of which remain definitive interpretations of the repertoire. For aspiring tenors, he remains an inspiration, demonstrating that technical mastery and emotional depth can coexist in perfect harmony.
13. Kirsten Flagstad
Kirsten Flagstad was one of the greatest dramatic sopranos of all time, best known for her powerful, soaring voice that made her an ideal interpreter of Wagnerian opera. Her ability to sustain long phrases with extraordinary breath control and her rich, velvety tone set her apart from her peers.
She rose to international fame with her performance as Brünnhilde in Wagner’s Die Walküre, a role that became one of her signatures. Her interpretation of Isolde in Tristan und Isolde was equally legendary, displaying both the power and the lyricism needed to convey the opera’s deep emotional intensity. Wagner’s demanding roles require exceptional stamina, and Flagstad’s voice possessed an unmatched steadiness and grandeur, making her one of the most reliable and thrilling Wagnerian singers of the 20th century.
Although Wagner was her specialty, she also excelled in other repertoire, including works by Strauss and Beethoven. Her Fidelio performances as Leonore demonstrated her ability to combine dramatic intensity with radiant, lyrical singing. She also had a remarkable ability to communicate emotion through phrasing and vocal shading, making her performances deeply moving even in recordings.
Despite the challenges of World War II, which complicated her career due to political controversies, Flagstad remained an unwavering force in opera. She later focused on concert work and Lieder, further showcasing the beauty and depth of her voice. Today, she remains a benchmark for dramatic sopranos, with her recordings continuing to inspire and define the Wagnerian tradition.
14. Jonas Kaufmann
Jonas Kaufmann is one of the most celebrated tenors of the modern opera scene, known for his dark, expressive voice and commanding stage presence. His ability to bring psychological depth to his roles has made him a favorite among opera directors and audiences alike.
Kaufmann’s repertoire spans a wide range of composers, but he is particularly renowned for his performances in Wagner, Verdi, and Puccini. His interpretation of Otello in Verdi’s Otello is widely praised for its emotional intensity, combining raw power with exquisite lyricism. In Wagner’s Lohengrin and Parsifal, he has redefined what it means to sing these roles, bringing a more nuanced, human quality to the characters.
One of his most famous portrayals is Don José in Bizet’s Carmen, where he captures the character’s descent from passionate lover to tormented outcast with remarkable authenticity. His rendition of La fleur que tu m’avais jetée is filled with aching vulnerability, making it one of the highlights of any performance.
Kaufmann’s voice is unique in that it combines the warmth of an Italianate tenor with the dark timbre of a baritone, allowing him to sing a wide variety of roles with ease. His recordings and live performances consistently receive critical acclaim, solidifying his status as one of the greatest tenors of his generation.
Offstage, Kaufmann is also known for his thoughtful approach to music, often giving interviews and writing about the art of opera. His dedication to the craft and his ability to reinvent classic roles ensure that his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
15. Cecilia Bartoli
Cecilia Bartoli is one of the most dazzling mezzo-sopranos of the modern era, known for her extraordinary vocal agility, expressive phrasing, and boundless energy. She has played a crucial role in reviving lesser-known works, particularly in the Baroque and bel canto repertoire.
Bartoli’s voice is instantly recognizable for its warm, velvety timbre and astonishing coloratura ability. Her interpretations of Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia and La Cenerentola are considered definitive, with her rapid-fire runs and playful characterizations bringing new life to these roles. In Bellini’s Norma, she took a more dramatic approach, reinterpreting the role in a way that emphasized its emotional depth rather than sheer vocal fireworks.
Beyond opera, Bartoli has dedicated herself to musicology, researching and performing forgotten works. Her projects, such as Sacrificium, which focused on the music of castrati, have expanded audiences’ understanding of historical performance practice.
Her passion for music is evident in every performance, and her fearless approach to repertoire has made her one of the most exciting singers of her time. Whether in opera, recital, or research, Bartoli’s influence on the world of classical music remains profound.
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.
