Top 10 Female Opera Singers: Legendary Performers & Voices

The female opera singers with their brilliance and command have enhanced the charm of opera. These talented women have transcended the opera stage, each leaving a legacy that resonates far beyond the concert hall. Through their dedication, technical prowess, and ability to channel deep emotion, the singers have redefined what it means to be an opera singer, setting a high standard for future generations.

Let’s highlight ten of the most famous female opera singers, whose talent and unforgettable performances have made opera more interesting.

List of Best Female Opera Singers

1: Renée Fleming

Date of Birth: February 14, 1959, Indiana, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Accolades:

• National Medal of Arts
• Grammy Awards
• Crystal Award

Renée Fleming, a famous lyric soprano, is renowned for her voice’s warmth and unique timbre. Known for her elegant and emotionally resonant style, Fleming excels in roles across Italian, German, French, and Russian opera, captivating audiences with her profound connection to her characters.

Beyond opera, Fleming’s versatility shines as she embraces a wide range of genres, including art songs, Broadway, and jazz, expanding her influence well beyond classical music. Furthermore, she has also premiered works by composers like André Previn and Caroline Shaw, enriching her legacy as a dynamic and inspirational artist for future generations.

2: Cecilia Bartoli

Date of Birth: June 4, 1966, Rome, Italy

Accolades:

• Brit Award
• Léonie Sonning Music Prize
• Handel Music Prize
• Herbert von Karajan Music Prize
• Polar Music Prize
• Grammy Award

Cecilia Bartoli, the mezzo-soprano, is renowned for her distinctive vocal timbre and emotionally rich performances, especially within the bel canto repertoire. Known for her extraordinary vocal agility and expressive depth, Bartoli captivates audiences, setting herself apart from the crowd.

Her dedication to uncovering lesser-known works and composers has sparked renewed interest in Baroque and Classical music. Being one of the famous female opera singers, Bartoli shines in versatile roles, such as Rosina and Cherubino. Her commitment to musical excellence has established her as a lasting icon in opera, inspiring new generations of singers.

3: Jeanne Gordon

Date of Birth: January 26, 1885, Wallaceburg, Canada

Date of Death: February 22, 1952, Macon, Missouri

Canadian contralto Jeanne Gordon rose to prominence in the early 1900s, celebrated for her rich, warm tone, exceptional breath control, and commanding stage presence. Her vocal prowess allowed her to excel across a wide range of opera genres, bringing depth to both dramatic and lighter roles.

Known especially for her portrayal of characters like Azucena, Gordon’s ability to fully embody her roles created a powerful connection with audiences, elevating her reputation in the opera world. Her memorable performances, including world premieres such as L’oiseau bleu, cemented her legacy.

4: Brenda Boozer

Date of Birth: January 25, 1948, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.

Brenda Boozer is gifted with a rich mezzo-soprano voice, bringing depth and emotion. Her clear, powerful vocal delivery and expressive style allow her to shine across various operatic genres, especially in roles demanding strong dramatic expression. Standout performances in operas such as Carmen and Aida showcase her versatility, underscoring both her vocal prowess and her talent for engaging audiences.

Beyond her remarkable performances, Boozer has enriched the opera world through her dedication to the art form, inspiring many with her unique interpretations and heartfelt portrayals.

5: Marilyn Horne

Date of Birth: January 16, 1934, Bradford, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Accolades:

• National Medal of Arts
• Kennedy Center Honors
• Grammy Awards

Marilyn Horne, the renowned mezzo-soprano, is known for her tone and impressive vocal agility, earning her the title of “queen of the bel canto repertoire.” She has remarkable breath control and mastery of complex coloratura, which make her excel in roles that demand exceptional technical skills.

Furthermore, Horne’s collaborations with luminaries such as Igor Stravinsky and Joan Sutherland further underscored her versatility and artistry. Her performances, particularly in bel canto and opera seria, showcased her profound emotional expressiveness, establishing her as a transformative figure in classical music history and one of the most famous female opera singers.

6: Diana Damrau

Date of Birth: May 31, 1971, Günzburg, Germany

Accolades:

• Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art
• Bavarian Order of Merit
• German Record Critics’ Award
• Echo Klassik Award

Diana Damrau, having command over coloratura soprano, is recognized as one of today’s foremost opera singers. She has solidified her presence with technical precision and shines in demanding roles that showcase her remarkable range and control. Her repertoire extends from the works of Mozart to contemporary opera, reflecting her versatility and deep dedication to the art form.

Damrau’s ability to convey emotion and nuance adds profound depth to her performances, particularly in signature roles like the iconic Queen of the Night.

7: Natalie Dessay

Date of Birth: April 19, 1965, Lyon, France

Accolades:

• Opera News Award
• Laurence Olivier Award

Natalie Dessay, the French soprano, is renowned for her dazzling coloratura voice and exceptional acting skills, making her stand out in the opera world. She is known for taking on challenging roles and captivating audiences with performances in operas like Lucia di Lammermoor and La Sonnambula, showcasing her impressive vocal agility and profound emotional depth. Her transition from coloratura to more dramatic bel canto roles underscores her remarkable versatility.

Throughout her illustrious career, Dessay has graced prestigious stages, including the Paris Opera and the Metropolitan Opera, leaving a lasting mark on the opera scene. Although retired from the operatic stage, she remains active through recitals and masterclasses, continuing to inspire and shape future generations of singers.

8: Joyce DiDonato

Date of Birth: February 13, 1969, Prairie Village, Kansas, U.S.

Accolades:

• Grammy Award
• Richard Tucker Award

Joyce DiDonato’s illustrious operatic career showcases her mastery of the mezzo-soprano range and profound emotional expressiveness. Renowned for her command of bel canto and Baroque repertoire, DiDonato captivates audiences with her rich tonal quality and impressive vocal technique. Her portrayals, especially Rosina and Cendrillon, highlight her ability to bring diverse characters to life with authenticity and depth.

Beyond her performances, DiDonato has divergence for the arts and social causes, inspiring future singers to fully explore their potential. Blending classical traditions with modern interpretations, her work makes her stand tall amongst the best female opera singers.

9: Kiri Te Kanawa

Date of Birth: March 6, 1944, Gisborne, New Zealand

Accolades:

• Edison Classical Music Award
• Brit Award

Kiri Te Kanawa’s distinguished opera career is defined by her rich, lyrical soprano and exceptional interpretive abilities. She rose to fame with her charismatic performances in major operas, especially in roles by Mozart and Puccini. Te Kanawa’s singing style, marked by warmth and clarity, allows her to convey profound emotion and establish a deep connection with audiences.

Te Kanawa’s versatility enabled her to excel across various operatic genres, from Baroque to contemporary works. Furthermore, beyond opera, she made significant contributions as a recitalist and recording artist, underscoring her dedication to classical music. She has also devoted herself to nurturing the next generation of singers through masterclasses, leaving an enduring legacy in the music world.

10: Leontyne Price

Date of Birth: February 10, 1927, Laurel, Mississippi, U.S.

Accolades:

• Presidential Medal of Freedom
• Spingarn Medal
• National Medal of Arts
• Grammy Awards

Leontyne Price’s extraordinary singing career is distinguished by her rich, emotive voice and powerful stage presence. Renowned for her mastery of the repertoire of spinto soprano, Price brought deep emotional expression to her performances, particularly in her iconic interpretations of Verdi’s operas, most notably Aida. Her distinctive vocal quality and dramatic depth set her apart, establishing her as a defining figure in classical music.

Beyond her vocal artistry, Price’s career broke significant racial barriers, making her a trailblazer and a symbol of excellence in opera. Her legacy shaped the genre and inspired generations of singers, leaving an indelible mark on the opera world.