An Oral History with Diana Soviero

On May 24th, 2022, soprano and educator Diana Soviero sat down with OPERA America's President/CEO Marc A. Scorca for a conversation about opera and their life.
Soprano Diana Soviero sang for more than 40 years on the world’s leading stages, earning a reputation an incisive singing actress, particularly in verismo repertoire. In the past decade, she has dedicated herself to teaching, serving as a voice faculty member of Mannes School of Music and giving masterclasses across the country.
This interview was originally recorded on May 24th, 2022.
The Oral History Project is supported by the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Charitable Foundation.
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[@davidspeers2389]

Dearest Diana ........... working with her was always an amazing learning experience - and I was blessed to have had three opportunities in my life to share that with her - first as a Stage Manager at Festival Ottawa in a Sonja Frisell - directed Boheme, and then conducting her Violetta and Mimi in the mid 1980's here in Canada.
And now she continues to share her incredible insight and passion with future generations. Thanks so much, Marc for creating this wonderful interview !

[@Bailey2006a]

Listening to this brilliance… she is a treasure. Please do more…PLEASE!!!

[@johnrondeau9222]

I cant believe I had never heard her sing her Senza Mama is unrivaled!

[@miuzefreak]

OMG... thank you for that marvelous interview! WOW!

[@christopherpurdy5453]

I refuse to believe that this beautiful lady is 80 years old. My unforgettable Butterfly, Violeta and Mimi. A very great artist.

[@clefnoteproductions6695]

They should go back to strictly vocalizing like they did in the old days! I've always wanted a teacher that would do that! I have a friend who currently lives in Vermont who would love to study with Diana Soviero, how can they be put in touch with each other? Is she teaching in Chicago or New York City?

[@eduardoamillan1686]

I fell in love with Diana Soviero when I first heard her Suor Angelica on December 16, 1989 on a MET broadcast! (Which I have in my collection). I was so moved by her performance that I knew that one day I had to meet her! I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Ms. Soviero in Costa Mesa, CA after she peformed Tosca, and then later at the MET after her heart-breaking peformance in Madama Butterfly (that night she invited me to attend her dress rehearsal of Pagliacci a couple of weeks later)! Diana was so kind and lovely to me every time. She made me feel like I mattered and not just another fan. It's been years, Diana, but those memories will be with me forever. I still listen to my recording of your Suor Angelica from 1989 and I still cry. Grazie mille, cara Diana!! You look amazing!! Love, Eduardo. Abbracci!

[@SilfredoSerrano]

I remember that Met performance of Suor Angelica. It is probably one of the most epic performances of all time. I sang Traviata and Pagliacci with her in Miami as part of the chorus. She was truly unforgettable.

[@eduardoamillan1686]

@@SilfredoSerrano Totally agree that that performance of Suor Angelica was epic! That is absolutely wonderful that you got to perform with her!!

[@philipcondenzio5987]

I was there too! It was breathtaking.

[@acacia-bloom]

I cant understand that such a major and important institution like NYCO just disintegrated

[@alinazamfir7679]

Magical!