Ludwig, Christa (1924–)

views updated

Ludwig, Christa (1924–)

German mezzo-soprano. Born in Berlin, Germany, Mar 16, 1924; dau. of Eugenia Besalla and Anton Ludwig (both opera singers); studied with her mother and Hüni-Mihacek in Frankfurt; m. Walter Berry, 1957 (div. 1970); m. Paul-Emile Deiber (actor and stage director), 1972.

Made debut in Frankfurt (1946) and Salzburg (1954); was a member of Vienna Staatsoper (from 1954); made Metropolitan Opera debut (1959), appearing there for 10 seasons; debuted at Bayreuth (1966–67), Covent Garden (1969); was an honorary member of the Vienna Staatsoper (1980); focused on soprano roles before deciding to return to the mezzo-soprano repertoire; as a soprano, was probably the greatest Leonore of her time.

See also Women in World History.