Berksoy, Semiha (1910–2004)

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Berksoy, Semiha (1910–2004)

Turkish soprano. Born 1910 in Istanbul, Turkey; died Aug 15, 2004, in Istanbul; attended Istanbul conservatory to study music and visual arts; attended Berlin Music Academy; children: Zeliha Berksoy.

The first lady of Turkish opera, made stage debut at 19; starred in the 1st Turkish sound movie, Istanbul Sokaklari (The Streets of Istanbul); appeared in the 1st Turkish opera, Ozsoy; in Germany, sang the lead in Ariadne Auf Naxos (1939), the 1st Turkish opera singer to star in Europe; helped establish the 1st opera house in Ankara.

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