Role

:

Performer

Death

:

January 24, 2012

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Patricia Neway was an American opera singer, best known for her performances in the soprano roles of contemporary operas. She was born on September 9, 1919, in Brooklyn, New York, to a family of Italian immigrants. Her father was a carpenter, and her mother was a homemaker. Neway grew up in a musical family, and her parents encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Neway began her musical training at the age of 12, studying piano and voice. She attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where she studied with the renowned soprano, Lotte Lehmann. After completing her studies, Neway made her operatic debut in 1943, as the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, with the New York City Opera. Neway's career took off in the 1950s, when she began performing in contemporary operas. She created the role of Sister Angelica in Puccini's Il Trittico, which premiered at the Metropolitan Opera in 1952. She also created the role of the Mother in Menotti's The Consul, which premiered at the same venue in 1950. Neway's performances in these operas were widely acclaimed, and she became known for her ability to bring depth and emotion to her roles. In 1955, Neway was cast in the role of the Mother Abbess in the original Broadway production of The Sound of Music. Her performance of the song "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" became one of the show's most memorable moments. Neway received a Tony Award nomination for her performance, and the show went on to become one of the most successful musicals of all time. Neway continued to perform in operas throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in productions at the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Opera, and other major opera houses around the world. She also appeared in several films, including The Sound of Music (1965) and The Cardinal (1963). Neway received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1951, she was awarded the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for her performance in The Consul. She was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1990, in recognition of her contributions to American culture. Neway retired from performing in 1982, but continued to teach voice at the Juilliard School until 1995. She died on January 24, 2012, at the age of 92. In conclusion, Patricia Neway was a talented and versatile opera singer, who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her performances in contemporary operas, particularly her roles in Il Trittico and The Consul, were widely acclaimed, and she became known for her ability to bring depth and emotion to her roles. Her performance in The Sound of Music also helped to make the show a huge success. Neway received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, and her legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring opera singers today.

More....