Scotto, Renata (1933–)

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Scotto, Renata (1933–)

Italian soprano. Born Feb 24, 1933, in Savona, Italy; studied with Emilio Ghirardini, Merlini, and Mercedes Llopart; m. Lorenzo Anselmi, June 2, 1960; children: Laura (b. 1969) and Filippo (b. 1972).

As fine an actress as she was a vocalist, debuted as Violetta at the Teatro Nuovo in Milan (1952); sang at La Scala in La Wally (1953); successfully replaced Maria Callas as Amina in Edinburgh (1957), which brought her international fame; debuted in Chicago (1960); made Metropolitan Opera debut as Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly (1965) and remained there as a leading soprano (1965–87); won wide recognition in a "Live from Lincoln Center" broadcast (1977); moved from lyric to dramatic roles, illuminating the characters of Gioconda, Norma, and Lady Macbeth.

See also O. Roca, Scotto: More Than a Diva (1986).