Birth

:

June 11, 1913 in New York City, NY

Death

:

March 20, 2013 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Opera

 

Risë Stevens was a renowned American mezzo-soprano who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. She was born on June 11, 1913, in New York City, to a family of Jewish immigrants from Poland. Her father was a tailor, and her mother was a homemaker. Stevens grew up in the Bronx and attended Morris High School, where she developed an interest in music. Stevens began her musical training at the age of 13 when she started taking voice lessons with Anna E. Schoen-René, a renowned voice teacher. She made her debut at the age of 18 in a concert at the Town Hall in New York City. In 1936, she made her operatic debut at the Metropolitan Opera as Mignon in Ambroise Thomas's opera of the same name. This performance marked the beginning of a long and successful career in opera. Stevens quickly became a favorite at the Metropolitan Opera, where she performed for over two decades. She was known for her powerful voice, dramatic presence, and exceptional acting skills. She performed in a wide range of operas, including Carmen, Samson and Delilah, Don Giovanni, and The Marriage of Figaro. She also performed in several world premieres, including the role of Octavian in Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. Stevens was also a frequent performer on radio and television. She appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Voice of Firestone, and The Bell Telephone Hour. She also performed in several films, including Going My Way, The Chocolate Soldier, and Carnegie Hall. Throughout her career, Stevens received numerous awards and honors. In 1940, she won the Metropolitan Opera Auditions of the Air, which launched her career. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy. In 1990, she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame. Stevens retired from the Metropolitan Opera in 1961 but continued to perform in concerts and recitals. She also became a voice teacher and taught at the Mannes College of Music in New York City. She was known for her dedication to her students and her ability to inspire them to reach their full potential. Stevens passed away on March 20, 2013, at the age of 99. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century. Her powerful voice, dramatic presence, and exceptional acting skills continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians. In conclusion, Risë Stevens was a remarkable musician who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her powerful voice, dramatic presence, and exceptional acting skills made her a favorite at the Metropolitan Opera and a frequent performer on radio and television. She received numerous awards and honors throughout her career and left behind a legacy as one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century. Her dedication to her students and her ability to inspire them to reach their full potential continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians.

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