Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Marjorie Lawrence was a renowned Australian soprano who made a significant impact on the world of classical music during the mid-20th century. Born on February 17, 1907, in Deans Marsh, Victoria, Australia, Lawrence grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. Her father was a church organist, and her mother was a pianist, which provided her with a solid foundation in music. Lawrence's talent was evident from an early age, and she began studying voice with Madame Amy Castles, a well-known Australian soprano. She made her professional debut at the age of 19 in the role of Mimi in Puccini's La Bohème with the Melbourne Opera Company. Her performance was well-received, and she quickly gained a reputation as a rising star in the Australian opera scene. In 1932, Lawrence traveled to Europe to further her studies and pursue her career as an opera singer. She studied with some of the most renowned voice teachers of the time, including Giuseppe Borgatti and Mercedes Llopart. She also made her European debut in 1933 in the role of Elsa in Wagner's Lohengrin at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. Lawrence's career continued to flourish, and she became known for her powerful voice and dramatic stage presence. She performed in some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Paris Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London. She was particularly renowned for her performances in the Wagnerian repertoire, including the roles of Brünnhilde in Wagner's Ring Cycle and Isolde in Tristan und Isolde. One of Lawrence's most significant performances was in 1936 when she sang the role of Brünnhilde in Wagner's Die Walküre at the Metropolitan Opera. During the performance, Lawrence fell off a horse during the famous "Ride of the Valkyries" scene, which resulted in a serious spinal injury. Despite the injury, Lawrence continued to sing the role from a wheelchair, which earned her widespread admiration and respect from the opera community. Lawrence's career was interrupted by World War II, during which she performed for Allied troops in Europe and North Africa. She also became an advocate for the war effort and raised funds for the war effort through her performances. After the war, Lawrence continued to perform and became a vocal teacher. She also wrote an autobiography, Interrupted Melody, which was later adapted into a Hollywood film of the same name. The film starred Eleanor Parker as Lawrence and was nominated for three Academy Awards. Throughout her career, Lawrence received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of classical music. She was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1951 and was awarded the Order of Australia in 1984. She was also inducted into the Australian Music Hall of Fame in 1999. Marjorie Lawrence passed away on January 13, 1979, in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 71. She left behind a legacy as one of the most talented and influential sopranos of the 20th century, and her contributions to the world of classical music continue to be celebrated and remembered today.

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