Jones, Gwyneth (1936–)
Jones, Gwyneth (1936–)
Welsh soprano. Name variations: Dame Gwyneth Jones. Born Nov 7, 1936, in Pontnewyndd, Wales; studied with Ruth Parker at Royal College of Music at Accademia Chigiana in Siena, and with Maria Carpi in Geneva; m. Till Haberfeld.
Best known for interpretations of Wagner and Strauss operatic heroines, made professional debut as mezzo-soprano in role of Annina in Strauss opera Rosenkavalier in Zurich (1962); performed 1st soprano role as Amelia in Un Ballo in Maschera, leading to engagement with Covent Garden to replace an ailing Leontyne Price in Trovatore (1964), which led to over-night fame; made frequent appearances at Bayreuth Festival after debut as Sieglinde (1966); debuted at Vienna State Opera (1966); gave highly acclaimed performances as Desdemona, Elisabetta de Valois, Aida, Lady Macbeth, Tosca, Butterfly and Santuzza in world's finest opera houses; established a precedent for sopranos to double as Elisabeth and Venus at Bayreuth (1972); made debut at Metropolitan Opera (1972); specialized in German opera and played nearly all leading Wagner solo roles; performed all 3 Wagner Brünnhildes at Bayreuth in the internationally televised Ring cycle (1976); elected president of British Wagner Society. Made Dame of British Empire (DBE, 1986); named Kammersangerin of both Vienna and Bavarian Operas.
See also Women in World History.