New York Exhibition of Italian Soprano, Renata Tebaldi

The Italian Cultural Institute of New York presents a special exhibition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of one of the most iconic and universally recognized voices of Opera, Renata Tebaldi.

This exhibition can be viewed inside the halls of the Italian Cultural Institute of New York on Park Avenue from June 17- July 13 in 2022. According to the CityLife.org, it will display exclusive photographs, unique portraits, and unpublished videos to describe her triumphs and success in America, where she was given the name “Miss Sold Out” based on her consistent sold-out performances in the states.

Renata Tebaldi started her debut in 1955 in the Metropolitan Opera where she triumphed the infamous Shakespearean play, Otello, singing in the lead role of Desdemona. The pure and vocal beauty of this soprano had earned her the name “Voce D’Angelo,” the Voice of an Angel.  Her unmatched vocal splendor and rising stardom only continued as it varied throughout the following years in the states. In the following months, towards the end of 1955, Renata performed in San Francisco from the opera Tosca to a solo vocal piece known as a aria, and received a standing ovation that lasted up to ten minutes. Her tours across the states as a celebrated singer in the US were constantly sold-out performances. In attest to her fame, she was featured on the cover of the Times magazine in 1958 and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. In the following year, she sang in front of President John F. Kennedy to celebrate the Unification of Italy in its 100th anniversary.

Not only is Renata Tebaldi one of the most famous prima donnas to represent the voice of opera in all its beauty; she is a symbol of Italian artistry in her ability to enrapture the hearts of different nationalities with her lasting influence in her presence, grace, and legend as an Italian soprano artist.

-Juliet Reyes