Renata Scotto, soprano of uncommon intensity, dies at 89

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Renata Scotto is a true artist and profound connoisseur of voice and repertoire, gifted with technique, musicality, a personality of a rare power, always at the service of the composer, and able to emotionally stir the public in all the world in every phase of her long career,’’ soprano Cecilia Gasdia, superintendent of the Fondazione Arena in Verono, said in a statement. I love them so much.″ Born Feb. 24, 1934, in Sovona, Scotto debuted there in 1952 as Violetta in Verdi's “La Traviata” and sang the role the next day at Milan's Teatro Nuovo. She debuted at Milan's Teatro alla Scala on Dec. 7, 1957, the opening night of the season, in the title role of Catalani's “La Wally” alongside Mario Del Monaco with Carlo Maria Giulini conducting. And she is a complete actress, in voice and movement.” When Scotto sang the title role in Bellini's “Norma” on the opening night of the Met's 1981-82 season, she was booed by Maria Callas fans who were opposed to anyone else singing the role.