Mary Shaw (1814 – 9 September 1876) was an English classical contralto who had an active international career in concerts and operas during the 1830s and 1840s.

She is best remembered today for creating the role of Cuniza in the world premiere of Giuseppe Verdi's first opera Oberto at La Scala in 1839.

[3] Shaw began her opera career in Italy in 1839, making her first stage appearance at the Teatro Nuovo di Novara as Arsace in Gioachino Rossini's Semiramide.

On 17 November 1839 she made her debut at La Scala as Cuniza in the world premiere of Giuseppe Verdi's first opera Oberto.

She then returned to her native country where she was the first to report to England the excellence of Verdi, and managed to draw musicologist and critic Henry Chorley's interest in the new Italian composer.