Leontyne is 89
mainThe first Afro-American to sing a name role at La Scala – she was Aida in 1960 – has a birthday today.
Many happy returns, many happy memories.
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One of the great voices of the 20th century. If you find you have trouble remembering what all the fuss was about, here she is at 55, showing the world how it’s done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK3OjbwBBwg
OMG that’s sensational. I worked years ago in Manhattan with a man who had been a backstage guy at the Met during Price’s illustrious career and he raved and raved about her. It was before my time in NY, which is a pity for me – but Bruce’s link lets us hear what my colleague was on about. “Miss Price was simply the greatest” he would say.
A very happy birthday indeed to our household’s favorite Verdi soprano; in addition to her storied operatic roles, she’s on our most-listened recording of the Requiem and sets the standard for that as well. We were fortunate enough to hear her live in recital once locally, which was predictably magnificent.
No idea she was so advanced in age, but my goodness what a singer. Happy Birthday to one of my favourite sopranos. Thank you Bruce for the clip.