The death of Arleen Auger in 1993, robbed the music world of one of its most beloved artists. She was an admired collaborator of all the great conductors from the moment she made her stunning debut in 1967 as The Queen of the Night in the Magic Flute at the Vienna State Opera, conducted by Josef Krips.

Arleen Auger was born in California and after university she moved to Chicago to teach schoolchildren. Opportunities for young American opera singers were more plentiful in Europe in the early 1960's and so Auger spent the early years of her career overseas. Starting in 1969 however, her career was truly international and Auger developed a devoted following for her song recitals as well as her nearly 140 recordings. Auger was an early star of the early music movement with her dazzling coloratura and impeccable musicianship. This was allied to a voice of unusual warmth for a high soprano.

Auger died in 1993 after a heroic battle with cancer.