DIVA READS FOR OPERA LOVERS
Diva Biographies and Beyond
They say that to be successful you have to study those who accomplished tremendously in their careers. Opera isn’t excluded from the entertainment world to me as an entrepreneur and a classical singer who loves to sing opera. All of these divas conquered the opera industry by storm. Their stories onstage and off stage are very vibrant and worth the read. Perhaps if you may have a friend or family member who’d like to be opera singers and need inspiration. Look no further than these book ideas. Happy Gifting. Opera Talks receives a commission for items purchased on Amazon.
The Inner Voice: The Making of a Singer
Renée Fleming is a recent Kennedy Center Honor recipient and is a multi-Grammy Winner who performed internationally. However the “People's Diva” came from humble beginnings.
Callas at Juilliard: The Master Classes by John Ardoin
“Maria Callas returned to the stage in 1971 to teach master classes at Juilliard. This intriguing forum later inspired Terrence McNally's acclaimed play Master Class. Outspoken and uncompromising in her artistic beliefs, Callas worked through her legendary arias from Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, and others.”
Leontyne Price: Highlights of a Prima Donna by Hugh Lee Lyon
In this first biography of Leontyne Price, Hugh Lyon delves into Price's early life in childhood and college. There are many details that you would remember after you read it. This is Leontyne Price’s only biography that exists at the height of her career.
Cinderella and Company: Backstage at the Opera with Cecilia Bartoli by Manuela Hoelterhoff
As the director of Opera Monte-Carlo, Cecilia Bartoli is still one of opera’s reigning mezzo divas on Spotify and YouTube.
Stand Up Straight and Sing!: A Memoir by Jessye Norman
We were shocked when opera queen, Jessye Norman passed away in 2019. However, we are grateful that we are left with her excellent recordings that displayed her artistry. Norman’s words in describing her upbringing in the South to her excellence in the arts are impeccable.
Beverly: An Autobiography by Beverly Sills, Lawrence Linderman
A true Renaissance woman, Beverly Sills rose in the opera industry to become a star soprano and a notable opera administrator. Her autobiography delves into her private life and the career--as operatic star and as director of the New York City Opera.
I Never Walked Alone: The Autobiography of an American Singer by Shirley Verrett, Christopher Brooks
“An inspiring self-portrait of a world-renowned African American vocal artist. This is a fascinating account of a gifted woman's coming of age and rise to success at a time when black classical musicians faced barriers at every turn.”
The Autobiography of Joan Sutherland: A Prima Donna's Progress by Joan Sutherland
Labeled “La Stupenda” for her memorable and extravagant coloratura range, Joan Sutherland was considered one of the best prima donna’s of her time. Her fan base still exists on current digital platforms like Spotify where she’s one of the top five opera divas with the most monthly listeners.
Montserrat Caballe: Casta Diva by Robert Pullen, Stephen Taylor
Montserrat Caballe's life and career span from her childhood in war-torn Spain to her years of training and struggling as an opera singer. All adversity lead to accomplishing opera stardom and her memorable duet with Freddie Mercury. This is a true collector’s item.
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