Lesley Garrett

Recognized as one of the leading figures on the modern British operatic scene, soprano Lesley Garrett entered the world in Yorkshire, England, on April 10, 1955. A decisive encounter with opera at fifteen ignited her commitment to vocal performance, which soon led to a scholarship at London’s Royal Academy of Music. She captured first prize at the Kathleen Ferrier Competition in 1979; shortly afterward her debut as Dorinda in Handel’s Orlando opened doors to engagements with Opera North and the English National Opera. Illness briefly halted her progress, yet she reclaimed the stage in 1983 and was appointed principal soprano of the ENO the following year. Among her signature portrayals were Atalanta in Handel’s Xerxes, Yum-Yum in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, Papagana in Mozart’s Magic Flute, Esmerelda in Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, and Vivette in La Belle Vivette. Garrett also committed several collections to disc, among them 1992’s Diva! A Soprano at the Movies, 1994’s Simple Gifts, 1996’s Soprano in Hollywood, and 1998’s A Soprano Inspired.