Birth

:

November 28, 1907 in Lakewood, OH

Death

:

August 21, 2007 in Bryn Mawr, PA

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Rose Bampton was an American classical music artist who was born on November 28, 1907, in Lakewood, Ohio. She was the daughter of a Presbyterian minister and grew up in a musical family. Her mother was a pianist, and her father played the organ. Bampton began singing in church choirs at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Bampton attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where she studied music and voice. She later went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she was a student of Anna Schoen-René. Bampton made her professional debut in 1929, singing the role of Amneris in a production of Verdi's Aida at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Bampton quickly became a favorite of audiences and critics alike. Her rich, warm voice and dramatic stage presence made her a standout performer. She went on to perform in many of the world's leading opera houses, including Covent Garden in London, La Scala in Milan, and the Paris Opera. One of Bampton's most famous roles was as Donna Anna in Mozart's Don Giovanni. She performed the role many times throughout her career and was praised for her interpretation of the character. Bampton also had great success in the role of Carmen in Bizet's opera of the same name. Her performance of the famous Habanera aria was particularly well-received. Bampton was known for her versatility as a performer. She was equally at home singing the works of Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini, as well as the operas of Richard Strauss. She was also a popular concert singer and performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her performances on stage, Bampton was also a prolific recording artist. She made many recordings throughout her career, including complete operas and recital albums. Her recording of Mozart's Requiem, conducted by Arturo Toscanini, is considered a classic. Bampton received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1956, she was awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York for her contributions to the arts. She was also inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1998. Bampton retired from performing in 1956, at the age of 49. She went on to teach voice at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she had previously studied. She continued to be an influential figure in the world of classical music, and many of her students went on to have successful careers as singers. Rose Bampton passed away on August 21, 2007, at the age of 99. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest American opera singers of the 20th century. Her rich, warm voice and dramatic stage presence continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.

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