Biography (read more)
Natalie Dessay (born Nathalie Dessaix, 19 April 1965, in Lyon, France) is a French soprano who grew up near Bordeaux. She initially intended to become a ballet dancer and then an actress, but discovered her singing voice while taking acting classes and went on to study voice at the Conservatoire de Bordeaux, gaining early experience as a chorister in Toulouse.
Dessay built an internationally acclaimed career as a coloratura soprano before moving into bel canto and dramatic roles, retiring from the opera stage in 2013 to focus on recital work and recordings that blend classical repertoire with jazz and chanson, including songs by Michel Legrand. She remains one of the most celebrated French sopranos of her generation.
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