A SPECIAL Casta Diva + Cabaletta (LIVE) - MINA FOLEY

Mina Foley (1930 --2007) was a New Zealand coloratura soprano, who rose to prominence in the 1950s. She was the first of many to study under Dame Sister Mary Leo. Other prominent singers who studied with Mary Leo included the internationally renowned soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, soprano Dame Malvina Major, and mezzo-soprano Heather Begg. Foley's voice was dubbed "The voice of the century" by some.
Unfortunately Foley had a severe mental breakdown in 1961, forcing her retirement after only one year performing in New Zealand. She spent the next 16 years in Oakley Psychiatric Hospital. In 1978 she staged a return concert. However her return to singing was short-lived.

[@eastwest5412]

One day in her apartment, Mina sang contralto for me. She told me she was originally a contralto. she was a kind gracious lady and i am so glad that I got to know her and hear her sing on a number of occasions.

[@123sonner]

She was said to have a voice like a bellbird, died of a heart attack at age 77. Her teacher Sister Mary Leo suggested once apparently that MIna Foley was a better singer than Kiri Te Kanawa but I like the three of them including Malvina Major. Thanks for their music. I discovered her crystal clear voice it last night on a NZ talkback radio (2ZbB, thanks Bruce Russell) show where people remembered her blood red vinyl cover! She had a tragic life.

[@AshyOlsen]

Don’t forget Patricia Wright as another one of sister Mary Leo’s, who unfortunately never gets the same recognition that’s deserved

[@catherinebentley1189]

I remember Mina singing for us in our home when she was learning singing in Auckland. A beautiful person .

[@chill2363]

Bless you madam r.i.p

[@quaderno13]

how could someone do this!!!!! at casta diva she is full of fillings and controll and at the a bello a me ritorna.. OMG her cadenza was so suprise... her note by note is so lovely and her coloratura is full of controll!! thankyou OS!!:) thankyou veeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrry much!!!XD♥

[@harmonylove585]

This is my grandfathers sister

[@matchettmatchett]

Harmony We are doing a ancestry with Mina ,my grandfather was Ida's brother .Can we touch base.

[@sdi1111]

Be proud!

[@moiF36]

Exquisite. I agree with Dame Sister Mary Leo, Mina had a better voice than Kiri Te Kanawa

[@thegoldenpenguinuk]

Genius of singing!

[@gayoperadude63]

I remember you sending me tapes of mina foley. Those are long gone, wish I had them on cd! This is to eastwest5412

[@scottgrunow5201]

Exquisite

[@louisemiriam]

Who wrote the Cabaletta, can anyone tell me?

[@aydenkelly6274]

The opera Norma (including this aria and cabaletta) is by Bellini.

[@MargaretStevenson-Wright]

Yes- my great aunt Mina had a voice far superior to Te Kanawa.

[@operabilia]

Sung as operetta ...