Ines Maria Ferraris

Ines Maria Ferraris (also Ina Maria Ferraris; 6 May 1882, in Turin – 11 December 1971, in Milan) was an Italian operatic soprano and pianist who sang for more than two decades at La Scala in addition to appearances on the international stage. Although popular in Italy, she had a particularly devoted fanbase throughout South America. A light lyric soprano with a pure and agile voice, Ferraris sang a wide repertoire that encompassed the verismo operas of Puccini, the Italian grand opera of Verdi, and the German operas of Richard Strauss. She is particularly remembered for playing Lisette in the world première of Puccini's La rondine in 1917.

Career Ferraris was a child prodigy and began her career as a professional concert pianist at the young age of 12 after studying piano with Antonio Quartero. She later became interested in opera and began studying singing with Vittorio Vanzo in Milan. She gave her first professional performance as a vocalist in a concert in London in 1906. She made her professional operatic début two years later in Bologna as Philine in Mignon. She remained at La Scala for over 20 years, singing numerous roles mostly from the lighter lyric and soubrette repertoire. She became a favorite of Arturo Toscanini under whom she sang numerous parts at La Scala including Violetta in Verdi's La traviata and Nannetta in Verdi's Falstaff.

Recordings Ferraris was among the first generation of musicians to be recorded. Most notably, she can be heard on highlight recordings of Der Rosenkavalier as Sophie and Hansel and Gretel as Gretel with Conchita Supervia, mementoes of their association in both operas at La Scala. She also recorded the role of Gilda in the first complete recording of Rigoletto in 1916 with Cesare Formichi in the title role.