This mezzo-soprano casts an unforgettable spell: Her intonation is reliably solid, while her transition from one note to the next always feels elegant. That simultaneous projection of firmness and liquid grace suits Elina Garanca for a range of repertoire that includes confections by Mozart and Saint-Saëns as well as the heavier music of Verdi. On recordings, she's worked with the cream of the opera world's crop, partnering with conductors like Fabio Luisi and Louis Langrée, as well as the soprano Anna Netrebko.