Welitsch, Ljuba

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Welitsch, Ljuba [ Ljuba Veličkova] (b Borissovo, 1913; d Vienna, 1996). Bulgarian-born Austrian soprano. Opera début Sofia 1934 (in Louise). Sang in opera at Graz 1936–40; Hamburg 1941–3; Munich 1943–6; Vienna 1946–58. Salzburg Fest. début 1946; CG début 1947; sang with Glyndebourne co. at Edinburgh Fest. (1949); NY Met début 1948. Exciting singer-actress, memorable as Salome, which she sang in Vienna 1944 for Strauss's 80th birthday, and in Eng. at CG 1949. Also a fine Tosca, Aida, and capricious Musetta.