Cossotto, Fiorenza (1935–)

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Cossotto, Fiorenza (1935–)

Italian mezzo-soprano. Born April 22, 1935, in Crescentino, Vercelli, Italy; graduate of Verdi Conservatory in Turin, 1956; m. Ivo Vinco (bass singer).

One of the greatest mezzosopranos of late 20th-century, made opera debut as Sister Matilde in 1st performance of Poulenc's Les dialogues des Carmélites at La Scala (1957); came to prominence at La Scala with Tosca (1958), followed by performance as Neris in Cherubini's Medea, alongside Maria Callas at Covent Garden (1959); best known for fiery Verdi roles as Azucena, Amneris, Lady Macbeth, and Eboli; also known for Adriana Lecouvreur, Cavalleria Rusticana, Norma, Favorita, Barbiere di Siviglia and Gioconda.

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