Diamanda Galás

Musician

American (Greek heritage) avant‑garde vocalist, composer, pianist and performance artist noted for extended vocal techniques, a reported four-octave range, confrontational live shows and politically charged works addressing AIDS, death and madness.

Born 1955 (San Diego, California). Of Greek descent. Early career involved performances in unconventional venues; uses piano and electronics; noted for the Masque of the Red Death trilogy and the controversial Plague Mass performances. Her brother died of AIDS; that personal tragedy informed her Masque trilogy. Reviews consistently cite her extended vocal techniques, theatricality and engagement with social/political themes.

Reviews emphasise Diamanda Galás's radical extended vocal techniques and theatrical performances. Her work addresses AIDS, death, madness and social injustice. Key works and live controversies (Plague Mass, Masque trilogy) recur. A demanding, often celebrated, figure in avant‑garde music.

For:Fans of experimental/avant-garde vocal music, performance art, and politically engaged sound work.

Diamanda Galàs revolutionized the notion of singing by integrating its current, classical sense with vocal techniques that draw upon the most diverse human experiences.
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