Sheila Armstrong (singer)

Sheila Armstrong (born 13 August 1937) is a retired British soprano, celebrated for her interpretations of Baroque and Classical music, particularly the works of Handel and Mozart.

Armstrong studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London. She gained early recognition in oratorio and concert performances, establishing herself as a leading soprano in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s.

Her operatic debut was in 1965 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, as the First Lady in Mozart's The Magic Flute. She went on to sing a variety of roles at Covent Garden, including Micaëla in Carmen, and Euridice in Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice. She also performed with the English National Opera and at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera.

Armstrong's extensive discography includes numerous recordings of oratorios, operas, and song cycles. She worked with leading conductors such as Neville Marriner, Colin Davis, and Raymond Leppard. Among her notable recordings are Handel's Messiah, Bach's B Minor Mass, and Mozart's Requiem. She also recorded several operas, including Handel's Semele and Purcell's Dido and Aeneas.

Her clear tone, impeccable diction, and musical sensitivity made her a highly sought-after performer. While she performed a range of repertoire, she is best remembered for her contributions to the performance and recording of Baroque music.