Kathleen Battle was once told that her voice was a gift given to her by God. The soprano would use said gift to turn into one of the great singers at the end of the 20th century. 

Born on August 13, 1948, in Ohio, she studied at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She actually majored in music education and started a teaching career in Cincinnati. However, she continued her vocal studies and by her second year as a teacher, she earned an opportunity to sing the soprano solo in Brahm’s German Requiem from an audition. Her profile grew and in 1974, she met James Levine, with whom she would share a strong artistic association throughout her career. In 1975, she made her opera debut in “Il Barbiere di Siviglia.” 

The 1980s would see her star continue to rise. The soprano would sing all around the world and would receive three Grammy Awards for two recital albums and “Ariadne Auf Naxos.” In sum, she would go on to win five Grammy Awards. She also won an Olivier Award in 1985.  

The 90s saw Battle continue her ascent as one of the great sopranos in the world, though she found her contract with the Met terminated. After this incident, the soprano appeared mainly in the recording studio and in the concert hall. She sang for Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 and returned to the Met in 2016 after a 22-year absence. 

Major Roles

Battle had a wide-ranging repertoire. She was just as strong in the works of Mahler as she was in those of Mozart, which she sang frequently. One of her iconic portrayals is that of Zerbinetta in “Ariadne Auf Naxos.” Her performance of the role earned her an Olivier Award and contributed to her earning the distinction of “best lyric coloratura soprano in the world.”

Read More on Battle

Her Career Milestones

Watch and Listen

Here is her incredible “Ariadne auf Naxos.”