Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Ellen Faull was born on October 6, 1928, in New York City. She grew up in a musical family, with her mother being a pianist and her father a violinist. Faull began her musical training at a young age, studying piano and voice. She attended the Juilliard School of Music, where she studied with the renowned vocal coach, Anna Hamlin. Faull made her professional debut in 1951, singing the role of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro with the New York City Opera. She quickly established herself as a leading soprano, performing with many of the world's top opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London. One of Faull's most notable performances was in the title role of Richard Strauss's opera, Salome, which she performed at the Metropolitan Opera in 1968. Her performance was widely praised, with critics noting her powerful voice and dramatic presence on stage. Faull was also known for her performances of the works of Benjamin Britten. She performed in the world premiere of Britten's opera, The Turn of the Screw, at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice in 1954. She also performed in the American premiere of Britten's War Requiem at the Lincoln Center in New York City in 1963. In addition to her opera performances, Faull was also a sought-after concert artist. She performed with many of the world's top orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. She was particularly known for her performances of the works of Gustav Mahler, and she recorded several of his symphonies with the London Symphony Orchestra. Faull received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1961, she was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, which recognizes African American artists who have made significant contributions to the arts. She was also awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York in 1984, in recognition of her contributions to the cultural life of the city. Faull retired from performing in 1994, but she continued to be active in the music world. She taught voice at the Juilliard School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, and she served as a judge for many vocal competitions. She also served on the board of directors of the Metropolitan Opera Guild. Ellen Faull passed away on August 31, 2021, at the age of 92. She was remembered by her colleagues and fans as a gifted artist and a generous mentor to young singers. Her legacy lives on through her recordings and the many singers she inspired and taught throughout her career.

More....