Maria Ewing is an American mezzo-soprano and actress. She is known for her powerful voice and her dramatic interpretations of opera roles. Ewing has performed in leading opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, and the Vienna State Opera. She has also appeared in several films and television shows.

Ewing was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1950. She studied voice at the University of Michigan and the Juilliard School. She made her professional debut in 1976 in the title role of Bizet's Carmen. Ewing quickly gained recognition for her vocal prowess and her ability to portray complex characters. She has since sung a wide range of roles, from the tragic heroine of Verdi's La traviata to the fiery temptress of Wagner's Kundry.