Irma Kolassi

Irma Thalia Kolassi, born on May 28, 1918 in Athens, Greece, was a classical singer and pianist. She lived in Paris until age eight before returning to Athens, where she graduated from the Conservatory of Athens at age 14 with a First Prize in piano. She began her singing career after Maggie Karadja discovered her voice and became her teacher. In 1938, Kolassi moved to Rome to study at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, where she chose to focus on singing while continuing private piano lessons with Alfredo Casella. During World War II, she returned to Greece and worked with the Athens Opera but soon abandoned the stage, becoming a vocal coach; notable students included Maria Callas. In 1949, Kolassi moved to Paris after being invited by the French ambassador’s wife, where her career flourished through performances of French melodies by composers such as Fauré, Debussy, and Ravel. She collaborated with prominent conductors and musicians of the era. Kolassi retired from performing in 1970 to focus on teaching. She passed away on March 27, 2012, in Paris.