Whether you’re an opera fan or just want to hear a great singer, plenty of amazing artists can be heard on stage. But which ones are the best? A few famous opera singers have been around for decades and have achieved worldwide renown. Others are newcomers who are just beginning to make an impact.
Plácido Domingo
Plácido Domingo is a world-renowned Spanish tenor, conductor, and arts administrator. He has been one of the most prominent figures in the world of opera for over five decades and is widely considered one of the greatest opera singers of all time. Domingo’s contributions to the world of opera have been widely recognized. He has received many awards and honors, including 14 Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Spanish Order of the Golden Fleece.
Leontyne Price
One of the most popular American opera singers, Leontyne Price, is a real presence on the Met stage and has made many recordings over the years. She is especially well-known for her roles as Aida and Bess in Porgy and Bess.
Anna Netrebko
The Russian mezzo-soprano, based in Italy, has a beautiful tone perfect for Rossini and other bel canto repertoire. Her acting ability is also impressive, and she imbues her performances with an emotional intensity that can leave you on the edge of your seat.
Jonas Kaufmann
Jonas Kaufmann is a German tenor known for his powerful voice and dramatic performances. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest living opera singers. He has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera.
Vasilisa Berzhanskaya
The young Russian mezzo-soprano, whose name means “the voice of a comet,” has the potential to be an operatic superstar. Her performance of Sinaide in Rossini’s Moise et Pharaon was a revelation that fully demonstrated her star appeal.
Bryn Terfel
British bass-baritone Terfel is a master of the English song repertoire, and his innate musical intelligence ensures that every note is delivered with a sonorous beauty. He has sung roles such as the Speaker in The Magic Flute and Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro.
He has also sung the title role in Don Giovanni at several venues since 1999 and has starred in Sweeny Todd for a Lincoln Center audience. He has released an album with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and filmed parts of Sarastro and The Speaker for Kenneth Branagh’s The Magic Flute.
Jessica Pratt
Australian-born, Italian-raised soprano Pratt is a versatile performer who can tackle both traditional Italian bel canto and lighter contemporary works. She has sung several operatic roles, including Lucia and Olympia, and her ability to capture the special feeling of Italy in her singing is impressive.
Renée Fleming
Renée Fleming is an American soprano who has established herself as one of the most prominent and respected opera singers of her generation. She has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious opera houses and has been recognized for her contributions to the world of classical music.
