Joyce DiDonato

Much as I am a Kate Royal fan, I have to admit the most interesting soprano (in fact a mezzo-soprano) in recent years is Joyce DiDonato. Her voice is versatile (as shown in this discography), her technical skill impeccable, her stage performance a joy to watch. She's also witty in person. Of course, her singing a lot of Handel (my favorite opera composer) also helps. If you like Renee Fleming's Alcina, check out the DiDonato version. Though I like Fleming's "emotional" interpretation better, Didonato's version is definitely the one Handel would approve.