From 1970 to 1984, she was a soloist of the Metropolitan Opera in New York, appearing in 233 performances, including principal parts in operas by Mozart, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Gounod, Puccini and Wagner.
A graduate of the Music Conservatory in Łódź, central Poland, Żylis-Gara launched her career in the 1950s. She made her operatic debut as the eponymous heroine in Stanislaw Moniuszko’s Halka.
A victory in a vocal competition in Munich in 1960 marked the beginning of her spectacular international career, initially in Germany, and subsequently in Paris, Salzburg, London and San Francisco.
Her partners on the operatic stage included iconic stars such as Carlo Bergonzi, José Carreras, Franco Corelli, Plácido Domingo, Sherill Milnes, Luciano Pavarotti, and Montserrat Caballé.
Żylis-Gara is also renowned for her interpretations of songs and oratorios.
In recent decades, she has been active as a teacher, giving masterclasses in many countries.
Her awards include the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Polonia Restituta Order, the French Legion of Honour and honorary doctorates from the Music Academies in Łódź and Wrocław.
On Sunday, January 26, a gala benefit concert will be held for Żylis-Gara at the National Opera in Warsaw, featuring Polish singers including tenor Wiesław Ochman.
(mk/gs)