“Czeslawa Gospodarek (née Cieslak), known by her stage name Violetta Villas, was a Polish and international cabaret star, singer, actress, composer and songwriter.”
“The People’s Diva,” “America’s Soprano,” “The Beautiful Voice, ” “la Grace Kelly della lirica”—in her busy and seemingly interminable career Renée Fleming has worn almost as many hats as hair colors. But henceforth she must also be known as “The Peggy Olson of the Windy City” thanks to her inestimable leadership in crafting Lyric Opera…