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Marie Speziale was a renowned American classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of opera. She was born on August 24, 1920, in Newark, New Jersey, to Italian immigrant parents. Her father was a tailor, and her mother was a homemaker. From a young age, Speziale showed a keen interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of six. Speziale's talent for music was evident from an early age, and she quickly became a skilled pianist. However, it was not until she was in high school that she discovered her true passion for singing. She began taking voice lessons and soon realized that she had a natural talent for opera. After graduating from high school, Speziale attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where she studied under the renowned voice teacher, Anna E. Schoen-René. She also studied with the famous soprano, Lotte Lehmann, who helped her develop her vocal technique and stage presence. In 1943, Speziale made her professional debut with the New York City Opera, where she performed the role of the Queen of the Night in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Her performance was a huge success, and she quickly became a sought-after performer in the opera world. Over the next few years, Speziale performed with several major opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She also performed in Europe, where she was highly acclaimed for her performances in Italy, Germany, and Austria. One of Speziale's most notable performances was her portrayal of the title role in Puccini's "Turandot" at the Metropolitan Opera in 1958. Her performance was widely praised by critics, who hailed her as a "sensational soprano" and a "true artist." She also received critical acclaim for her performances in Verdi's "Aida" and "Il Trovatore," as well as Mozart's "Don Giovanni" and "The Marriage of Figaro." Throughout her career, Speziale received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of opera. In 1953, she was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the arts by African American artists. She was also awarded the National Opera Institute Award in 1965 and the National Italian American Foundation Award in 1989. In addition to her work as a performer, Speziale was also a dedicated teacher. She taught voice at the Juilliard School of Music for over 30 years and was highly respected by her students and colleagues. Many of her students went on to have successful careers in the opera world, including the renowned soprano, Renée Fleming. Speziale retired from performing in 1980 but continued to teach at Juilliard until her retirement in 1991. She passed away on December 29, 2013, at the age of 93. In conclusion, Marie Speziale was a highly talented and respected classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of opera. Her performances were widely acclaimed, and she received numerous awards and honors for her work. She was also a dedicated teacher who inspired and mentored many young singers throughout her career. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of opera today.

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