Licia Albanese

Italian-American Soprano

Licia Albanese (1909–2014) was a renowned Italian-American soprano, celebrated for her interpretations of the leading roles in operas by Puccini and Verdi. Born in Italy, she made her professional debut in the early 1930s and quickly rose to prominence. Albanese's career was particularly tied to the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she performed regularly from 1940 to 1966. She was especially admired for her portrayal of Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata," a role she performed many times throughout her career and recorded as well. Her voice was known for its purity and expressiveness, and she was praised for her convincing acting abilities. After retiring from the stage, Albanese continued to contribute to the world of opera by teaching and serving on competition juries. She left behind a legacy as one of the 20th century's most distinguished sopranos.