Birth

:

July 6, 1910 in Montclair, NJ

Death

:

November 18, 1992 in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Opera

 

Dorothy Kirsten was an American soprano who was born on July 6, 1910, in Montclair, New Jersey. She was the daughter of a German immigrant father and an American mother. Kirsten grew up in a musical family, and her father was a violinist who played in the New York Philharmonic. She began singing at a young age and studied voice at the Juilliard School in New York City. Kirsten made her professional debut in 1935 with the Philadelphia Civic Opera Company, where she sang the role of Micaela in Bizet's Carmen. She quickly gained recognition for her beautiful voice and was soon offered a contract with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Kirsten made her debut with the Met in 1940, where she sang the role of Mimi in Puccini's La Bohème. Kirsten's career with the Met spanned over two decades, and she became one of the most beloved sopranos of her time. She sang a wide range of roles, including Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata, Marguerite in Gounod's Faust, and the title role in Puccini's Tosca. Kirsten was known for her beautiful voice, impeccable technique, and dramatic stage presence. One of Kirsten's most memorable performances was in the 1951 production of Verdi's Aida, where she sang the role of Aida opposite the legendary tenor Mario Del Monaco. The production was a huge success, and Kirsten received rave reviews for her performance. She also sang the role of Cio-Cio San in Puccini's Madama Butterfly, which became one of her signature roles. Kirsten was also a frequent performer on television and radio. She appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Voice of Firestone, and she was a regular performer on the Texaco Opera Radio Broadcasts. Kirsten also made several recordings throughout her career, including a highly acclaimed recording of Madama Butterfly with conductor Sir Thomas Beecham. In addition to her successful career as a performer, Kirsten was also a dedicated teacher. She taught voice at the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School, and many of her students went on to have successful careers in opera. Kirsten received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1952, she was awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York for her contributions to the arts. She was also inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1981. In 1990, Kirsten was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George H.W. Bush for her contributions to American culture. Kirsten retired from performing in 1976 but continued to teach voice until her death in 1992. She was remembered as one of the greatest sopranos of her time, and her legacy continues to inspire young singers today.

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