Varnay, Astrid (Ibolyka Maria)

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Varnay, Astrid (Ibolyka Maria) (b Stockholm, 1918). Swed.-born soprano of Austro-Hung. parentage, resident in USA from childhood. Opera début NY Met 1941 as last-minute deputy for Lotte Lehmann as Sieglinde in Die Walküre. Stayed at Met until 1956, becoming leading Wagnerian and Strauss sop. Débuts: CG 1948; Bayreuth 1951; Salzburg Fest. 1964. Exciting Wagnerian singer. Late in career sang mez. roles, e.g. Klytemnästra, and made deep impression as Kostelnička.

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