Christel Goltz | Opera singer, 96

Soprano Christel Goltz, 96, a stalwart of the Vienna State Opera who performed in German-language roles across the world in the 1950s, died early yesterday in Baden, Austria, the opera said.

Born in Germany, Ms. Goltz started her career at the State Opera in Dresden in 1936 but achieved her international breakthrough with a role in Richard Strauss'

Salome

at the Vienna State Opera in 1944.

She was also famed for her roles in Beethoven's

Fidelio

and in productions of works by Wagner and Verdi.

Ms. Goltz was part of the Vienna State Opera ensemble from 1950 until she retired in 1970. She also performed in Salzburg, Austria; Rome and Milan, Italy; Brussels, Belgium; London; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and New York at the Metropolitan Opera.

She had lived at the Hilde Wagener Home for older artists in Baden since her retirement.

- AP