Diana Damrau

Diana Damrau, born on May thirty-first, nineteen seventy-one, is a celebrated German soprano renowned for her exceptional performances in opera, concert, and lieder. Her career began with a focus on coloratura soprano roles, where she quickly gained acclaim, and she has since transitioned into the more demanding repertoire of the nineteenth-century Italian bel canto tradition.

Among her signature roles are the Queen of the Night in Mozart's The Magic Flute, Zerbinetta in Strauss's Ariadne auf Naxos, Lucia in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, and Violetta in Verdi's La traviata. Damrau's education at the Hochschule für Musik Würzburg laid a strong foundation for her artistry, leading to engagements with opera companies in Würzburg, Mannheim, and Frankfurt.

Since embarking on her freelance career in two thousand two, Damrau has graced the stages of prestigious venues, including the Bavarian State Opera, Vienna State Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera, where she has performed for twelve consecutive seasons since her debut in the two thousand five/two thousand six season. In addition to her operatic endeavors, she collaborates with French bass-baritone Nicolas Testé, whom she married in two thousand ten, for concert performances.

Damrau's discography is extensive, featuring numerous opera and lieder recital albums, particularly since signing with EMI/Virgin Classics, which later became part of Warner/Erato Records in two thousand thirteen. Her contributions to the arts have been recognized with honors such as being invested as Bavarian Kammersängerin, receiving the Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art, and the Bavarian Order of Merit.