Angela Gheorghiu
Biography
Romanian-born Gheorghiu is one of the most famous contemporary sopranos in the world. An intense and passionate stage actress, she is particular noted for her performances in the operas of Verdi and Puccini.
The daughter of a train driver, Angela sang opera music from a very early age. She studied singing at the Bucharest Music Academy from the age of 13 and after her graduation she sought an international career as an opera singer. She made her professional debut as Mimi in 'La Bohème' in 1990 at the Cluj Opera.
In 1992 she made her international debut at Covent Garden as Zerlina in 'Don Giovanni'. In 1994, she was auditioned by the great conductor Sir Georg Solti for a new production of 'La Traviata' and it was her performance as Violetta that really led to international stardom.
Music
In 1996 Gheorghiu released her debut album of Duets and Arias with her then husband Roberto Alagna, followed by the Gramophone Award-winning 1997 CD of Puccini’s rarely recorded opera La Rondine. Four years later she was named Female Artist of the Year at the Classical BRIT Awards.
Gheorghiu regularly performed with her husband Roberto Alagna, first in 2000/01 in the title roles of Roméo et Juliette, which received rave reviews. Then, in January 2001, they starred in Verdi’s Requiem with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and in Verdi's Il trovatore, released in February 2003.
In 2002, Gheorghiu and Alagna performed at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Jubilee. In another royal performance, Gheorghiu sang at the opening of the new opera house in Valencia in October 2005, in the presence of Queen Sophia of Spain.
In June 2006 Gheorghiu made her stage debut in Tosca at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in a new production that was dedicated to her. In 2008 she performed the title role in the world premiere of the opera Marius et Fanny, by composer Vladimir Cosma.
Discography
2010 - Classical Superstars
Puccini Arias
2009 - L'amico Fritz
Madama Butterfly
2008 - My Puccini
Angela and Roberto forever
Marius et Fanny
2007 - Angela Gheorghiu: A Portrait
Angela Gheorghiu: Live from La Scala
2005 - La Rondine (Puccini)
Angela Gheorghiu: Diva
Bizet - Carmen
Puccini - La Rondine
Opera Album 2002
2004 - The Essential Angela Gheorghiu
2003 - Gounod - Romeo et Juliette
Puccini - Tosca soundtrack
Roberta Alagna & Angela Gheorghiu
2002 - Bizet - Carmen
2001 - Mysterium - Sacred Arias
2000 - Casta Diva
Verdi Heroines
Verdi - Messa da Requiem
1999 - Massenet - Manon
Puccini - La Bohème
1998 - Massenet - Werther
1997 - Donizetti - L'elisir d'amore
Verdi - Per Due
1996 - Arias
1995 - Alagna - Duets and Arias
The Puccini Experience
1993 - Verdi - Il Trovatore
La Traviata (Verdi) Decca
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Gheorghiu and Alagna to reprise La Boheme roles The couple will mark the twentieth anniversary of their lauded performance of Puccini's masterpiece at the Royal Opera…
