Birth

:

August 1, 1921

Death

:

April 9, 2012

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

Lili Chookasian was a renowned classical music artist, known for her exceptional contralto voice and her ability to bring depth and emotion to her performances. Born on August 1, 1921, in Chicago, Illinois, Chookasian grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. Her father was a violinist, and her mother was a pianist, and they encouraged their daughter to pursue her passion for music from a young age. Chookasian began her formal music education at the age of 12, studying voice with the renowned soprano Rosa Raisa. She continued her studies at the Chicago Musical College, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1943. After graduation, Chookasian moved to New York City to pursue a career in opera. Chookasian's big break came in 1952, when she was cast as the lead in the New York City Opera's production of "The Medium" by Gian Carlo Menotti. Her performance was widely praised, and she quickly became a sought-after performer in the opera world. Over the next several years, Chookasian performed with many of the world's leading opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. One of Chookasian's most memorable performances came in 1960, when she sang the role of Azucena in Verdi's "Il Trovatore" at the Metropolitan Opera. Her performance was hailed as a triumph, and she received a standing ovation from the audience. Chookasian continued to perform at the Met for many years, singing in productions of "Carmen," "Don Carlo," and "Aida," among others. In addition to her work in opera, Chookasian was also a highly respected concert performer. She sang with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She was particularly known for her performances of works by Bach, Handel, and Mahler. Chookasian's talent and dedication to her craft were recognized with many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1962, 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 1985, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. Chookasian retired from performing in 1985, but she continued to be an active supporter of the arts. She served on the board of directors of the National Endowment for the Arts and was a mentor to many young singers. She also taught voice at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles. Lili Chookasian passed away on June 10, 2012, at the age of 90. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest contralto singers of the 20th century, and her contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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