AGM and presentation: Astrid Varnay, Wagnerian soprano

AGM followed by
Astrid Varnay (1918-2006), Wagnerian soprano 
Presented by Margaret Baker-Genovesi

Astrid Varnay (1918-2006) was an exact contemporary of the ‘other’ great Wagnerian soprano, Birgit Nilsson; for decades they shared the same repertoire internationally. Varnay, however, was one of the few singers who negotiated the transition from one ‘Fach’ (vocal category, as it is called these days) to another – in the later half of her career she made a smooth change from dramatic soprano to dramatic mezzo soprano, or even contralto.

You will hear several excerpts that testify to this amazing career.