Birth

:

June 21, 1928

Death

:

December 21, 1984

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Judith Raskin was an American soprano and a renowned classical music artist. She was born on June 9, 1928, in New York City, to a family of musicians. Her father, Joseph Raskin, was a violinist, and her mother, Lillian Fuchs, was a violist. Her brother, Joel Fuchs, was also a violinist. Growing up in a musical family, Judith was exposed to music from a very young age and began singing at the age of four. Judith Raskin received her early education at the High School of Music and Art in New York City. She then went on to study at the Juilliard School of Music, where she received her Bachelor of Music degree. She continued her studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she studied with the renowned soprano, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Judith Raskin made her professional debut in 1952, at the age of 24, with the New York City Opera, where she sang the role of Zerlina in Mozart's Don Giovanni. She quickly established herself as a leading soprano and went on to perform with many of the world's leading opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. One of the highlights of Judith Raskin's career was her performance as Susanna in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro at the Metropolitan Opera in 1957. Her performance was widely acclaimed, and she went on to perform the role many times throughout her career. She also performed the role of Pamina in Mozart's The Magic Flute, which was another one of her signature roles. Judith Raskin was also known for her performances of contemporary music. She premiered many works by leading composers, including Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, and Leonard Bernstein. She also performed in the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti's opera, The Saint of Bleecker Street, at the Broadway Theatre in New York City in 1954. In addition to her opera performances, Judith Raskin was also a highly sought-after concert artist. She performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. She was particularly known for her performances of Mozart's concert arias and lieder. Throughout her career, Judith Raskin received many awards and honors. In 1956, she was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, which is given to young American singers who show exceptional promise. She was also awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York in 1965, in recognition of her contributions to the arts. Judith Raskin retired from performing in 1976, at the age of 48. She then went on to teach at the Juilliard School of Music, where she had studied as a young woman. She was a highly respected teacher and mentor to many young singers, and her students included the soprano, Renée Fleming. Judith Raskin passed away on December 21, 1984, at the age of 56, after a long battle with cancer. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of her generation, and her recordings continue to be admired by music lovers around the world.

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