Julia Varady

Julia Varady, born Júlia Tőzsér in 1941 in what is now Oradea, Romania, is a Hungarian-born German soprano renowned for her versatility and technical prowess. Beginning her musical journey at the age of six with violin lessons, Varady transitioned to vocal training and made her debut as a mezzo-soprano in 1962. Her career soared when she joined the Bavarian State Opera in 1973, where she captivated audiences with her dramatic interpretations of roles by Mozart, Wagner, Strauss, Verdi, and Puccini.

Varady's powerful and expressive voice, coupled with her exceptional musical intelligence, earned her acclaim worldwide. She made her Vienna State Opera debut in 1993 to thunderous applause and continued to mesmerize audiences until her retirement from opera in 1998. Beyond her stage performances, Varady is also celebrated for her work in Lieder, dedicating herself to master classes and teaching in cities like Berlin, Karlsruhe, and Stuttgart.

Her personal life is as notable as her career, having been married to the esteemed baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau for over three decades. Varady's legacy is immortalized in recordings, including the comprehensive 10-CD boxed set "The Orfeo Recordings," which showcases her extraordinary talent and enduring impact on the world of opera.