Stratas, Teresa (1938–)

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Stratas, Teresa (1938–)

Canadian soprano. Born Anastasia Strataki of Greek descent, May 26, 1938, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; studied with Irene Jessner at Toronto, 1956–59; graduate of University of Toronto, Faculty of Music, 1959.

Began singing in Greek cafes in Toronto; at 12, admitted to Royal Academy of Music; debuted with Canadian Opera in Toronto (1958); won Metropolitan Opera Auditions of the Air (1959) and began a swift ascent in the opera world; debuted at Metropolitan Opera (1959), Covent Garden (1961), and Teatro alla Scala (1962); performed title role in 1st 3-act production of Berg's Lulu in Paris (1979); also starred with Placido Domingo in Zeffirelli's film version of La Traviata (1983); made Broadway debut in musical Rags (1986), for which she won a Tony Award for Best Actress. Made an Officer of the Order of Canada (1972); won 3 Grammy awards and 1 Emmy.

See also Harry Rasky, Stratas: An Affectionate Tribute (Oxford U. Press, 1989); and Women in World History.

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