Sari Barabas

Concert Singer of the Munich State Opera, was born in Budapest. When only six years old she received her first training in classical ballet dancing and already at the age of seven, a very promising career seemed open to her. However, due to an accident, she had to give up dancing. From that moment on she began to concentrate on her voice. Starting with modern operetta she moved, via classical operetta to the State Opera at Budapest. After this, her ascent was phenomenal. Guest appearances followed at all the great opera houses in Europe, such as the Vienna State Opera, Maggio Musicale in Florence, Paris and Teatro Venice etc. The Munich State Opera, where later on she was appointed “Kammersangerin” (concert singer, of official title), offered her a contract for several years. This she accepted, but only conditionally, as an international career was beckoning her, which eventually reached its zenith in the form of a tour of 45 American states, lasting ten months. Covent Garden engaged her as Queen of the Night in the ‘Magic Flute’ and as Glide in ‘Rigoletto’; as ‘Traviata’ she had a sensational success. The B.B.C. selected her for the popular “Music For You” production and for many years she was a regular guest. She was equally successful at the Glynebourne and Edinburgh Festivals in the operas “Ariadne on Naxos” and “ Conte Ory”. Apart from singing in numerous radio concerts Sari Barabas has made 75 records. Text from The Great Waltz – Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, programme. 1971.