Opera superstar Natalie Dessay was born in France in 1965. She received formal training at the Conservatoire de Bordeaux, and emerged from school as a promising talent. She won early notice with a handful of victories in international competitions. A run of engagements with prestigious theaters led to her appearance as Olympia in 1992's high-profile production of Tales of Hoffmann at the Opéra Bastille. Her magnificent coloratura soprano graced opera houses around the world until she announced her retirement in 2013; she continues to work as a dramatic actress and chansonnier.