Natalie Dessay

Natalie Dessay, born on April nineteenth, nineteen sixty-five, is a celebrated French soprano renowned for her exceptional contributions to the world of opera. She gained prominence following her stunning portrayal of Olympia in The Tales of Hoffmann in nineteen ninety-two, which marked the beginning of her illustrious career on some of the most prestigious stages, including the Paris Opera, Vienna State Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera.

Throughout her early career, Dessay was particularly recognized for her remarkable performances in coloratura soprano roles within the German and French repertoire. Her notable roles included Olympia in The Tales of Hoffmann, the title character in Lakmé, Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos, and the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute. However, after undergoing two vocal surgeries, she shifted her focus towards more demanding bel canto roles, such as Amina in La sonnambula, Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor, Marie in La fille du régiment, and Violetta in La traviata. Additionally, she explored Baroque music through collaborations with the esteemed conductor Emmanuelle Haïm.

In two thousand thirteen, Dessay retired from the opera stage, transitioning her talents to theatre and concert performances. In this new chapter of her career, she has embraced a diverse range of musical genres, including jazz and chansons, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

Over the years, Dessay has made numerous recordings for prestigious labels such as EMI Classics, Virgin Classics, and Erato Records/Warner Classics. Since two thousand sixteen, she has been associated with Sony Classical Records, continuing to share her extraordinary voice with audiences around the world.