Arleen Auger

Arleen Auger was a beloved American soprano whose crystal-clear voice and expressive artistry made her a star in Baroque, Classical, and operatic repertoire. Born in Los Angeles in 1939, she shot to fame after winning a competition that landed her a contract with the Vienna State Opera in the 1960s. Auger became a go-to voice for Mozart roles like Pamina in *The Magic Flute* and electrified audiences in fiery Baroque works like Monteverdi’s *L’incoronazione di Poppea*. Her knack for blending technical precision with emotional depth also shone in art songs, earning her acclaim in lieder by Schubert, Haydn, and Gluck. Fun fact: She famously sang Handel’s “Let the Bright Seraphim” at Princess Diana and Prince Charles’s 1981 wedding – talk about a career highlight!

Auger’s career wasn’t just about opera houses. She collaborated with legends like conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt, championed early music revival projects, and even snagged a Grammy for her Mozart recordings. Though her life was tragically cut short by brain cancer in 1993 at age 53, her legacy lives on through recordings that showcase her agility in coloratura fireworks and her warm, intimate approach to lyrical works. Whether she was conquering Handel’s *Dixit Dominus* or bringing tenderness to Massenet’s *Werther*, Auger’s voice remains a masterclass in elegance and versatility.

Genres

Requiem

Opera

Choral

Classical

Latest Release

Monteverdi: L'incoronazione di Poppea, SV 308

Claudio Monteverdi•

Richard Hickox•

Arleen Auger

Album - 37 Tracks - Released April 28, 2023