Birth

:

August 13, 1937 in St. Louis, MO

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Felicia Weathers is a renowned American soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. She was born on June 29, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, to a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer. From a young age, Weathers showed a keen interest in music and began singing in her church choir. Weathers received her formal education in music at the Juilliard School in New York City. She studied under the tutelage of the legendary soprano, Dorothy Maynor, and made her debut in 1962 at the New York City Opera. Her performance in the role of Clara in George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" was highly acclaimed and marked the beginning of her successful career. Weathers went on to perform in several major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. She was known for her powerful voice, impeccable technique, and dramatic stage presence. Her repertoire included works by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and Strauss, among others. One of Weathers' most notable performances was in the role of Aida in Verdi's opera of the same name. She performed the role at the Metropolitan Opera in 1970, becoming the first African-American soprano to sing the role there. Her performance was highly praised, and she went on to perform the role in several other productions around the world. Weathers also made a significant contribution to the world of contemporary music. She worked with several prominent composers, including Leonard Bernstein, who wrote the role of Maria in his opera "West Side Story" specifically for her. She also performed in several premieres of new works, including "The Death of Klinghoffer" by John Adams. Throughout her career, Weathers received several awards and honors for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1971, 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 National Medal of Arts in 1998, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. Weathers retired from performing in 1997 but continued to teach and mentor young singers. She served as a professor of voice at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance from 1997 to 2006. She also served as a judge for several vocal competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. In conclusion, Felicia Weathers is a highly respected and accomplished soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her powerful voice, impeccable technique, and dramatic stage presence have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards and honors. She has paved the way for future generations of African-American singers and continues to inspire young artists through her teaching and mentorship.

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