LEGACY COLLECTIONS is proud to present the re-release of ARIAS, a collection of opera arias performed by Aldona Stempužis, Mezzosoprano, originally recorded in Stuttgart, Germany in 1969 with the Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Darius Lapinskas. Aldona Stempužis is the recognized 20th century premiere vocal artist of the Lithuanian Community worldwide. She is a singer with rare versatility who brings her keen sense of style, expression and drama to each song, combined with a stunningly rich vocal timbre. Her voice, which often modulates between a mezzo and contralto range brings a unique warmth and richness to her performances. She performs opera, archaic Lithuanian folk music, standard art songs, and contemporary music with equal mastery. Success came quickly during the '50s after settling in Cleveland, Ohio after WWII and winning several vocal competitions against professional and conservatory trained artists on career tracks. Aldona Stempužis' descision not to pursue a full professional career in lieu of raising a family in Cleveland, Ohio did not diminish her love for singing and passion for the vocal arts. She continued to develop her craft by continuing to rehearse and perform in numerous recitals and concerts with symphony orchestras in North and South America, competitions, and operas with the Cafarelli Opera Company and the Chicago Lithuanian Opera Company. ARIAS is a masterful culmination of opera Arias she has performed throughout her operatic career. Our only regret that more were not recorded.