Malibran, << mah lee BRAHN, >> Maria Felicita (1808-1836), was a famous Spanish opera singer. She was known for the power and flexibility of her voice and for her broad vocal range. She was a mezzo-soprano but could also sing in the higher soprano range. She had a fiery temperament that added excitement to performances and contributed to her international fame.
Malibran was born Maria Garcia on March 24, 1808, in Paris. She studied with her father, Manuel Garcia, a famous tenor and composer. In 1825, she made her professional debut in London, singing the role of Rosina in The Barber of Seville. She spent two years in New York City singing with her father’s opera company. There she married Francois Eugene Malibran. She returned to Europe in 1827 and performed in most major opera houses. Malibran was thrown from a horse while riding in April 1836. She died several months later on Sept. 25, 1836.
