ASMIK GRIGORIAN
The Lithuanian megastar is my absolute favourite soprano with her unique tone and captivating stage presence. Immeasurably melodious with a dramatic impact that must be experienced to be understood. Her breakthrough in the famous Castellucci-Salome earned her the nickname The Salzburg Sensation.
ANNA NETREBKO
Netrebko is one of the most celebrated sopranos of our time. The Russian diva’s lawsuit against The Met for breach of contract and geo-racism has not given her the best press. Netrebko is still a superstar who had 15,000 spectators going completely Tosca-crazy the last time I saw her in Verona.
MARIA CALLAS
The greatest soprano of them all. Unforgettable performances in signature arias such as Casta Diva and Habanera are iconic recordings that should be found in every home. The American/Greek superstar was at the centre of a sea of tabloid scandals that helped build the myth.
CECILIA BARTOLI
Bartoli is an unrivalled audience favourite, with record-breaking CD/DVD sales and a number of prominent positions in the music world. A huge role model and the uncrowned queen of the Salzburg Festival. Bartoli is a mezzo-soprano, at home in the slightly deeper register.
PRETTY YENDE
The dark South African star soprano with the warm voice and magnetic charisma is a frequent guest on European stages with showy, acrobatic coloraturas that leave audiences spellbound. It doesn’t hurt her brand that the ultra-charming singer appears in advertisements for Dior.
