Stars of the Opera

This collection opens a window onto the golden age of grand opera, gathering candid conversations with six of the era’s most celebrated sopranos. Through interviews with Marcella Sembrich, Emma Eames, Emma Calvé, Lillian Nordica, Lilli Lehmann and Geraldine Farrar, the book reveals how each artist approached iconic roles such as Carmen, Aida, and Madame Butterfly. Interwoven with vivid descriptions of the operas themselves, the author also sketches the contributions of composers, librettists, conductors and the often‑overlooked orchestra that underpins every performance.

In addition to personal anecdotes, listeners will hear thoughtful commentary on vocal technique, stagecraft, and the discipline required to bring a score to life. The interviews are enriched by the singers’ own reflections, offering a rare glimpse into the pressures and triumphs of the spotlight. For anyone who loves music but has never set foot in an opera house, the book serves as an intimate guide that brings the drama, the music, and the personalities of the stage directly to the ear.