Teresa Stratas

Teresa Stratas, the Canadian soprano with Greek roots, was a powerhouse of opera known for her magnetic stage presence and emotional depth. Born Anastasia Strataki in Toronto in 1938, she skyrocketed to fame after winning a Metropolitan Opera audition at 20, becoming a Met staple for over three decades. Stratas dazzled audiences in roles like Violetta in *La Traviata* (including Franco Zeffirelli’s iconic film adaptation) and the gut-wrenching title role in Berg’s *Lulu*—a part she owned like no other. Her voice wasn’t just technically brilliant; it carried raw vulnerability, whether she was breaking hearts in verismo operas like *Pagliacci* or breathing new life into Kurt Weill’s cabaret-style works (check out *Stratas Sings Weill* for proof).

A collaborator with legends like Leonard Bernstein and Plácido Domingo, Stratas blurred lines between singing and acting, earning her the nickname “opera’s Meryl Streep.” She retired in the ’90s but left a legacy of recordings that still give chills, from fiery live performances (*Cavalleria Rusticana*, anyone?) to haunting studio gems. Bonus trivia: She reportedly turned down Maria in *West Side Story* to stay loyal to opera—talk about dedication to the craft!

Genres

Opera

Latest Release

Verdi: La traviata (Bayerische Staatsoper Live)

Giuseppe Verdi•

Bavarian State Orchestra•

Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper•

Giuseppe Patanè•

Teresa Stratas•

Fritz Wunderlich

Album - 23 Tracks - Released January 1, 2016