Leyla Gencer

Leyla Gencer was born in Istanbul and began her career at the Ankara State Opera. She made her Italian debut in 1953 and soon became one of the leading sopranos of La Scala in Milan.

She brought forgotten roles by Donizetti, Bellini and early Verdi back to the stage; parts such as Roberto Devereux and Anna Bolena are linked to her name. Italian audiences called her "La Diva Turca".

After leaving the stage she taught young singers at the La Scala Academy. She died in Milan in 2008, and as she wished, her ashes were scattered over the Bosphorus.