Rita Streich (18 December 1920 – 20 March 1987) was a German operatic soprano, celebrated as one of the most admired and recorded lyric coloratura sopranos of the post-war era. Born in Barnaul, Russia, to a Russian mother and a German father, she moved to Germany during her childhood. Her bilingual upbringing in German and Russian greatly benefited her singing career. Streich studied under notable teachers such as Willi Domgraf-Fassbaender, Erna Berger, and Maria Ivogün.

She debuted in 1943 at the Stadttheater of Aussig in the role of Zerbinetta in Richard Strauss' "Ariadne auf Naxos." She then performed at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin until 1952, followed by engagements in Bayreuth, Vienna, and Salzburg. Streich also appeared at prestigious venues like La Scala in Milan and Covent Garden.

Her repertoire was extensive, including roles in operas by Mozart and Strauss, as well as operettas. She was renowned for her recordings of Viennese operettas such as "Die Fledermaus" and "Der Zarewitsch." In 1974, Streich transitioned to teaching at the Folkwang Hochschule in Essen and the Music Academy in Vienna, and she conducted master classes at the Salzburg Festival in 1983. Her recording of "O mio babbino caro" was featured in the 2007 film "Mr. Bean's Holiday." Rita Streich passed away in Vienna in 1987.