Marina Viotti: The Opera Star With Heavy-Metal Chops
The New York Times••entertainment
Key Points:
- Mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti performed at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in July 2024, attracting millions of viewers worldwide.
- Viotti, 39, is currently playing Prince Orlofsky in "Die Fledermaus" at Zurich Opera, with a busy season including roles in "Werther," "Oedipus Rex," and "Carmen."
- Born in Switzerland, Viotti has a diverse background, having been a heavy metal singer, holding a master's degree in literature and philosophy, and organizing metal concerts before pursuing opera.
- Despite starting formal voice studies in her mid-20s, older than typical for opera singers, and coming from a metal music background, she has become a
