Giulietta Simionato was a renowned Italian mezzo-soprano, celebrated for her exceptional vocal talent and captivating stage presence. She was born on May 12, 1910, in Forlì, Italy, and embarked on a career in opera that would span four decades, becoming one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of the mid-20th century. Simionato's voice was prized for its rich timbre, agility, and expressive warmth, which she deftly applied to a wide repertoire, earning acclaim in bel canto as well as Verdi and verismo roles.

Simionato made her professional debut in 1933, and she gained international fame after World War II, particularly thriving in the works of composers such as Rossini, Donizetti, and Verdi. Her interpretations of arias from "Il barbiere di Siviglia," "La Favorita," and "Aida" are often cited as definitive performances from that era. The esteemed mezzo-soprano performed on the most prestigious opera stages around the world, including La Scala in Milan and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, before retiring from the stage in 1966. Offstage, Simionato was also known for her mentorship of young singers and her deep commitment to the art of opera. Her legacy and influence have been preserved in numerous recordings, many of which reflect the vibrant live performances that solidified her legendary status. Simionato passed away on May 5, 2010, just a week shy of her 100th birthday, but her incomparable artistry continues to inspire operatic enthusiasts and music historians alike.

Genres

Classical Mezzo-soprano

Italian Mezzo-soprano

Opera

Latest Release

Verdi: Falstaff

Giuseppe Verdi•

Sir Georg Solti•

Orchestra Del Teatro Dell'Opera Di Roma•

Mirella Freni•

Giulietta Simionato

Album - 23 Tracks - Released October 7, 2022