Agnes Baltsa: An unmistakable opera legend turns 80

On November 19, KS Agnes Baltsa, honorary member of the Vienna State Opera, will be 80 years old. In an Ö1 broadcast, she was aptly described as "the mezzo-soprano with the most unique tone for tragedy and comedy" - a tribute that perfectly captures her extraordinary artistic versatility.

Unmistakable and unique: Agnes Baltsa was one of the most important interpreters on the international opera and concert stage for decades. Her portrayals of roles are legendary and have written performance history. Her interpretation of Carmen in particular is still regarded as a benchmark today - she sang this iconic character 60 times at the Vienna State Opera alone.

But her repertoire was impressively diverse. At the Haus am Ring, she thrilled audiences as the Composer (Ariadne auf Naxos), Santuzza (Cavalleria rusticana), Octavian (Der Rosenkavalier), Eboli (Don Carlo), Klytämnestra (Elektra), Fedora, Hérodiade, Romeo (I Capuleti e i Montecchi), Rosina (Il barbiere di Siviglia), Sextoness (Jenůfa), Isabella (L'italiana in Algeri), Angelina (Cenerentola), Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro), Fidès (Le prophète), Elisabetta (Maria Stuarda), Dido (Les Troyens), Dalila (Samson et Dalila) and Charlotte (Werther).

Anyone who has been lucky enough to experience Agnes Baltsa live - whether in Vienna or on the world's great stages - has witnessed some truly magical musical moments. Even individual phrases or bars that she created left a lasting impression on the audience's emotional memory. She not only inspired listeners, but also her colleagues with her intensity and presence.

With her unmistakable tone, her charismatic stage presence and her artistic depth, Agnes Baltsa has enriched the world of opera like no other. On her 80th birthday, we would like to thank an extraordinary artist for her life's work and the countless magical moments she has created.