Born in Laval, Françoise Semellaz studied in Le Mans and Paris before embarking on a successful teaching career. Currently a professor at the Lille Conservatoire, she devotes herself to classical singing. As a vocalist herself, this compilation of Discover French Opera is well-informed.

Containing airs for Mezzo-Sopranos and Contraltos, the accompaniment is helpfully recorded on the CD included. Airs include those by Boiëldieu, Delibes, Gounod, Massenet, Offenbach, Saint-Saëns and Thomas. With a detailed preface and wide selection of Airs, Semellaz's Discover French Opera is essential to all aspiring, advanced Mezzo-Sopranos and Contraltos.