Cathy Berberian

The Profile

American mezzo-soprano (1925–1983) known for avant-garde vocal performance, crossover recordings, and close collaboration with contemporary composers.

Born 1925, died 1983; American mezzo-soprano of Armenian descent; studied singing and acting at Columbia and later at the conservatory in Milan (as noted in contemporary accounts); married composer Luciano Berio (married in 1950); composer-performer of works including Stripsody; recorded Beatles Arias in 1966.

Reviews praise Cathy Berberian's wide-ranging versatility, her adventurous approach to repertoire, and her playful, rigorous vocal style. They highlight the 1966 Beatles Arias recording as a daring, successful crossover and underline her role in contemporary music. Readers are encouraged to sample her recordings and Stripsody to appreciate her experimental voice.