Anita Välkki

Anita Kaarina Välkki, born October 25, 1926, in Sääksmäki, Finland, was a Finnish operatic soprano. She began performing at fifteen in Valkeakoski and studied with Raili Kahilainen and Tyyne Hase before debuting at the National Opera of Finland in 1955 with La condesa Maritza. Välkki’s breakthrough came in 1956 with the role of Tosca, followed by international engagements: Brünnhilde at the Royal Opera Stockholm (1960), the Metropolitan Opera (1962), and the Vienna State Opera (from 1963). Her recordings include the 2012 release Vissi d'arte. Awards included the 1965 Medalla Pro Finlandia and the 2004 Finlandia Prize. Välkki died in Helsinki on April 27, 2011.