Berganza, Teresa (1934–)

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Berganza, Teresa (1934–)

Spanish mezzo-soprano. Born Mar 16, 1934, in Madrid, Spain; studied with Lola Rodriguez Aragon; m. Felix Lavilla (composer).

Won a singing prize in Madrid (1954); debuted at Aix-en-Provence Festival as Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte (1957); debuted at Piccola Scala and Glyndebourne (1958); made American debut in Dallas (1958); debuted at Covent Garden (1960) and Metropolitan Opera (1967); specialized in early Italian opera, singing roles by Monteverdi, Purcell, and Handel although later became known for roles by Mozart and Rossini; frequently performed as Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia (Barber of Seville) and as Cinderella.

See also Women in World History.

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