Irma Kolassi

Greek mezzo-soprano, born 28 May 1918 in Athens, Greece and died 27 March 2012 in Paris, France. Grew up in a family of musicians. Studied piano at the Conservatory in Athens, where she won first prize at the age of 14 and at 16 received a diploma to teach. Then she got singing lessons from Maggie Karadja (Athens), finally became a pupil at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome. From 1940-1949, she taught at the Conservatory of Athens. After the 2nd World War she had a successful career as a concert singer. From 1949 until her death, she lived in Paris, she sang all over the world: France, England, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and North America.