Mexican operatic soprano Angela Peralta, known as “El ruiseñor mexicano,” or “The Mexican Nightingale” in English, is today’s Google Doodle.
The depiction of Peralta onstage, wearing a red dress, commemorates her birthday; she was born July 6, 1845.
Here are five things to know about Peralta.
1. Peralta was born in Mexico City and she had her formal opera debut at 15, performing Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” at Gran Teatro Nacional.
2. Peralta impressed music critics and moved to Europe to continue studying and performing. She became a star, and from 1865-1875 toured extensively, performing in Mexico, Europe, New York and Havana.
3. She was way ahead of her time. Peralta was known form performing Mexican works, and was also an entrepreneur. She founded her own opera company in Mexico and did her own bookings, performing throughout Mexico.
4. Peralta was also a composer, and beyond opera, dabbled in popular music.
5. The singer wasn’t afraid of love. After her husband died, she and her manager became lovers, which reportedly scandalized Mexican society. When Mexico City denizens shunned her, Peralta started performing in smaller cities like Mazatlán. Tragically, shortly after her arrival in Mazatlán, the city was hit with a wave of the yellow fever epidemic, afflicting Peralta and most of the members of her operatic singing troupe. She died at just 37 years old.
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