Gianna D'Angelo: The Beloved Coloratura Soprano

A Life of Opera and Devotion to the Craft

Gianna D'Angelo, a renowned American coloratura soprano, left an indelible mark on the opera world with her ravishing voice, brilliant technique, and captivating stage presence. Born Jane Angelovich on November 18, 1929, in Hartford, Connecticut, D'Angelo's remarkable career spanned over two decades, earning her a revered spot among the greatest sopranos of her time.

Rise to Prominence

D'Angelo's journey to stardom began at The Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied with Giuseppe De Luca. Her talent soon took her to Venice, Italy, where she became a pupil of Toti Dal Monte, who advised her to Italianize her name. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career, with her debut in 1954 as Gilda in Rigoletto at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome.

International Acclaim

D'Angelo's talent and charm quickly earned her invitations to perform at prestigious opera houses across Italy, including Naples, Florence, Bologna, Trieste, and Milan. Her international recognition grew with appearances at the Paris Opéra and the Glyndebourne Festival, where she shone as Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia and Norina in Don Pasquale.

American Debut and Metropolitan Opera

In March 1959, D'Angelo made her American debut at the Cosmopolitan Opera in San Francisco, starring as Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor. This was followed by her highly anticipated Metropolitan Opera debut on April 5, 1961, as Gilda in Rigoletto, opposite Robert Merrill. She remained a beloved fixture at the Met for eight seasons, performing iconic roles such as Lucia, Amina, Rosina, Norina, Zerbinetta, and the Queen of the Night.

Recordings and Legacy

D'Angelo's few, yet noteworthy, commercial recordings include Musetta in La bohème with Renata Tebaldi, Carlo Bergonzi, and Ettore Bastianini, conducted by Tullio Serafin. Other notable recordings include Il barbiere di Siviglia and Rigoletto, both with baritone Renato Capecchi, as well as the doll Olympia in Les contes d'Hoffmann, opposite Nicolai Gedda. A live performance of I puritani from Trieste in 1966 has also been released on DVD.

Teaching and Later Life

After retiring from singing, D'Angelo dedicated herself to nurturing the next generation of vocal talents as a voice teacher at the Jacobs School of Music, where she taught from 1970 to 1997. Gianna D'Angelo passed away on December 27, 2013, at the age of 84, leaving behind a rich legacy and a devoted following.

Tribute to a Legendary Soprano

Gianna D'Angelo's remarkable journey serves as a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for opera. Her extraordinary talent, combined with her generosity and commitment to sharing her knowledge, have inspired countless artists and audiences alike. As we celebrate her life and achievements, we are reminded of the transformative power of music and the indelible mark left by this beloved coloratura soprano.