Yoko Watanabe
Yoko Watanabe (渡辺 葉子, Watanabe Yōko, June 12, 1953 – July 15, 2004) was a Japanese operatic soprano who spent much of her career singing the title role of Madame Butterfly all over Europe.
Yoko Watanabe | |
|---|---|
渡辺 葉子 | |
| Born | July 12, 1953 Kitakyushu, Japan |
| Died | July 15, 2004 (aged 51) Milan, Italy |
| Occupation | Operatic soprano |
| Spouse(s) | Renato Grimaldi |
Biography
Yoko was born in Kitakyushu city, Fukuoka Prefecture. Her father practiced medicine at this city. First she studied piano, and after studied vocal in her high school age. She entered Tokyo University of the Arts, and continued to singing. After she graduated in 1976, she left for Italy, studying at Teatro alla Scala Academy of Lyric Opera for two years.[1] She made her stage debut in the role of Nedda in Pagliacci in 1953, after which she sung in Italy. She was also known for her large repertoire including such works as Micaela in Carmen, Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, Marguerite in Faust and Amelia in Verdi's Simon Boccanegra.
In 1978, the 25-year-old Ms. Watanabe made her debut in Europe, then mostly performed in Italy. She returned to Japan in 1985 for her much-celebrated first performance at home with the Fujiwara Opera troupe, as the title role in Puccini's Madama Butterfly, which was her signature role.
Watanabe died after a long battle with cancer in her Milan home at the age of 51.