One of the greatest dramatic sopranos of opera's first Golden Age, Rosa Raisa (1893-1963) was legendary for her imposing, powerful and wide-ranging voice as well as for her highly dramatic and emotionally stirring stage presence. A renowned star of the Chicago Opera, Raisa sang over 1000 opera performances and concerts around the world. Held in high esteem by composers, conductors and colleagues, she was Puccini's choice to create the lead roles in La Rondine and Turandot.