What was the name of the legendary soprano pictured?

Victoria de los Angeles (1923-2005) was a legendary Spanish lyric soprano, considered one of the greatest singers of her generation.

She was the daughter of a university caretaker, and was actually born in the porter's lodge at Barcelona university, but her vocal skills were soon recognised.

She made her debut as Mimi in 1941, and in 1947, won the prestigious Geneva International Music Competition.

Her repertoire was very varied. Although a pre-eminent performer of romantic opera, such as "Carmen" and "Madama Butterfly" she also sang Wagner, including performances at Bayreuth, and especially in her later career, was a highly respected exponent of Lieder, often accompanied by the legendary Gerald Moore, who spoke very warmly of her in his autobiography, describing her as a modest and likeable woman, and unspoilt by her talent.

Perhaps surprisingly, she was also not averse to political gestures, and sometimes performed under the Catalan version of her name, Victòria dels Àngels.