Várnay, Astrid (1918–)

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Várnay, Astrid (1918–)

Swedish-born American operatic soprano. Name variations: Astrid Varnay. Born Ibolyka Astrid Várnay, April 25, 1918, in Stockholm, Sweden; came to US (1923) and became a naturalized citizen (1943); dau. of Alexander Várnay (tenor and stage director) and Maria (Yavor) Várnay (coloratura soprano); studied voice with mother, and later with Weigert; m.Hermann O. Weigert (conductor), 1944.

Made debut at Metropolitan Opera in Die Walküre and sang the part of Sieglinde when Lotte Lehmann became ill (1941); continued to sing with the Met for rest of career; known for interpretations of Wagner and Richard Strauss, especially the roles of Herodias and Klytemnestra in Salome and Elektra, also added Italian roles from Aïda, La Gioconda, and Otello to repertoire; made acclaimed recordings of the Ring cycle; began singing mezzo-soprano roles (1962); retired (1979).

See also Women in World History.