Margaret Valerie Masterson, a celebrated English opera singer, lecturer, and dedicated Vice-President of British Youth Opera, entered the world on June 3, 1937. Following her studies in Italy, Masterson embarked on a distinguished European opera singing career, impressing audiences with her remarkable talent. Upon her return to England, she joined the esteemed D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, where she held the esteemed position of principal soprano from 1964 to 1969. During this remarkable period, she garnered immense popularity among audiences and made significant contributions to several company recordings, as well as those of Gilbert and Sullivan for All and the BBC.
Noted soprano, Masterson's remarkable professional journey has been marked by a long-standing affiliation with the esteemed English National Opera, subsequently extending her international opera career to an impressive span of over three decades.
Throughout the entirety of her illustrious career, Masterson has consistently demonstrated her remarkable versatility by taking on a wide array of roles, yet it is her performances in French repertoire and the operas of Handel, as well as those of Gilbert and Sullivan, that have cemented their place as her most iconic and enduring contributions to the world of opera.
Masterson's extensive discography serves as a testament to her remarkable range and adaptability, featuring a diverse selection of opera roles, operettas, and musical theater productions that have solidified her status as a true master of her craft.
Throughout the entirety of her illustrious and distinguished professional trajectory, Masterson has garnered a multitude of prestigious accolades, with her impressive collection of honors including the esteemed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and the distinguished Fellowship of the Royal College of Music, a testament to her outstanding contributions and dedication to her craft.
