Stefania Toczyska

Stefania Toczyska, born in Grudziądz, Poland, on 19 February 1943, is a Polish mezzo-soprano of international repute. She lived in Toruń, where she attended the Music School. There, she married Romuald Toczyski, a music teacher. She moved in 1968 with her family to Gdańsk in order to pursue her higher education. There she studied voice in the Higher Music School in the class of Barbara Iglikowska, receiving her final diploma in 1973. But even before that, during studies, she was building her career by winning awards in international vocal competitions in Toulouse, Paris and 's-Hertogenbosch. Her debut occurred in 1973, on the stage of the Baltic State Opera House in Gdańsk, in the title role of Carmen, and her fame and prestige began accordingly. Initially, her activity was centered locally in Gdańsk, where she kept her position as the leading soloist in the Baltic State Opera, making also frequent guest visits to other opera houses. In 1975, the Baltic State Opera produced, especially for her, Samson et Dalila in 1975, and La favorite by Donizetti in 1978. Her first appearance outside of Poland took place in Basel, when she sang the role of Amneris in Aïda, in 1977.

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