Diana Damrau reached the Metropolitan Opera stage in 2005, initiating a tenure that spanned 12 consecutive seasons. Born in Günzburg in 1971, this German soprano transitioned from early coloratura success into the demanding bel canto repertoire of the 19th century. Her career spans global opera houses, including the Bavarian State Opera, Vienna State Opera, and La Scala in Milan.
Early Development and Education
Damrau pursued formal operatic studies at the Hochschule für Musik Würzburg under the guidance of Carmen Hanganu. During her conservatory years, she faced a vocal health challenge involving an edema on a vocal cord. She opted for an alternative therapy approach lasting 18 months rather than surgical intervention. After graduating, she continued her training in Salzburg with Hanna Ludwig.
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Her professional debut occurred in 1995 as Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro at the Mainfranken Theater Würzburg. She remained there for two seasons, taking on roles such as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady and the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute. Following engagements at the Mannheim National Theatre and Oper Frankfurt, she debuted at the Bavarian State Opera in 1999 as Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos.
International Recognition and Bel Canto
Becoming a freelancer in 2002 allowed Damrau to perform extensively across Europe. She marked the reopening of La Scala in 2004 as the lead in Salieri's Europa riconosciuta. Her repertoire expanded through the 2010s to include Donizetti heroines such as Linda di Chamounix and Elvira in I puritani. In 2011, she portrayed all four heroines in The Tales of Hoffmann at the Bavarian State Opera.
Honours and Professional Life
Damrau married French bass-baritone Nicolas Testé in 2010 and frequently collaborates with him in concert performances. Her professional recognition includes the Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art, the Bavarian Order of Merit, and the 2021 Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. She is also a recipient of the International Opera Award and the Echo Klassik prize.
Fast facts
- Born: 31 May 1971, Günzburg
- Citizenship: Germany
- Primary Occupation: Opera singer
- Education: Hochschule für Musik Würzburg
- Major Award: Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2021)
- Spouse: Nicolas Testé
- Signature Role: Queen of the Night
- Language: German
Questions readers ask
Which roles are considered her signature performances?
Her signature roles include the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute, Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos, Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor, and Violetta in La traviata.
Where did she make her Metropolitan Opera debut?
She made her Metropolitan Opera debut in New York City in 2005 in the role of Zerbinetta.
Achievements
- Bavarian Order of Merit — 2016
- Würzburg Cultural Prize — 2010
- Bavarian Culture Prize — 2007
- Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 2021
- Medal for outstanding service to Bavaria in a united Europe — 2008
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: opera
