Birth

:

April 28, 1920 in Pittsburgh, PA

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

Nan Merriman was an American mezzo-soprano who was born on April 28, 1920, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 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. Merriman began singing in church choirs at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Merriman attended the Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where she studied voice and choral conducting. She also studied with the renowned vocal coach, Paul Althouse. After completing her studies, Merriman made her professional debut in 1941 with the Philadelphia Orchestra, singing the role of the Angel in Handel's "Messiah." Merriman's career took off quickly, and she became known for her rich, warm voice and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. She performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of Merriman's most notable performances was in 1947, when she sang the role of Orfeo in Gluck's "Orfeo ed Euridice" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and Merriman received rave reviews for her performance. Merriman also had a successful career as a recitalist, performing in venues around the world. She was particularly known for her interpretations of German lieder, and she recorded several albums of this repertoire. Throughout her career, Merriman received many awards and honors. In 1950, she was awarded the National Music Council Award for Outstanding Service to American Music. She was also awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York in 1975, in recognition of her contributions to the city's cultural life. Merriman retired from performing in the 1970s, but she continued to teach voice at the Juilliard School in New York City. She was known for her dedication to her students and her ability to inspire them to reach their full potential. Merriman passed away on July 22, 2012, at the age of 92. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century, and her recordings continue to be admired by music lovers around the world.

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