Angela Gheorghiu

Angela Gheorghiu (Romanian: [anˈdʒela ɡe̯orˈɡi.u] ; née Burlacu; born 7 September 1965) is a Romanian operatic soprano, especially known for her performances in the operas of Puccini and Verdi, widely recognised by critics and opera lovers as one of the greatest sopranos of all time.

Embarking her career in 1990, she made her Royal Opera House and Vienna State Opera debuts in 1992, followed by New York's Metropolitan Opera debut in 1993. She was catapulted to international stardom after starring as Violetta in Verdi's La traviata at Covent Garden in 1994. Her signature roles include, alongside Violetta in La traviata, Mimì in La bohème, Magda in La rondine, the title roles in Tosca and Adriana Lecouvreur.

She had performed frequently with French tenor Roberto Alagna, whom she first met in 1992 and married in 1996, in concerts and opera productions until their eventual divorce in 2013. They were widely celebrated as opera’s "golden couple".

Her voice is described as "the most instantly recognizable and interesting soprano voice of our time. A liquid instrument of great lyrical beauty with gleaming spun-gold high notes, but a dark, vibrant contralto range, reminiscent of Maria Callas.", and she is considered "the world's most glamorous opera star".

She has made substantial discography (Angela Gheorghiu discography) primarily with EMI Classics (absorbed into Warner Classics in 2013) and Decca, and holds several Gramophone Awards and honorary doctorates.