Thanks so much for this, never knew the history was so long. Of course we women have always been able to sing, We are the Women, it is just good for people to hear our voice in all genres.
A wonderful and worthy history; Camilla Williams, 10 yrs prior to Marian Anderson, became the first African-American to be contracted with a major american opera company in 1946. She began , at NYCO with Cio-Cio San; Nedda, Aida, Leonora and Pamina followed. later she became the first African-American to sing a major role at Vienna StaatsOper. Ne'er seen without a full measure of grace, a generous smile and enough poise for all the world, she did her best to prepare students for a life of art.
An excellent lecture on this great subject. I am however somewhat disappointed and gently disagree with Hawkins here and ask this question, "Why was the great and best soprano voice of all the African American opera singers named Reri Grist left out?" Leonard Bernstein recognized her talent when he invited here to sing with the NYP on Mahler's 4th Symphony at his Young People's Concerts. Reri Grist is perhaps the best soprano voice ever to come from the Black American Opera tradition.
Thanks so much for this, never knew the history was so long. Of course we women have always been able to sing, We are the Women, it is just good for people to hear our voice in all genres.
revbores 3 weeks ago
A wonderful and worthy history; Camilla Williams, 10 yrs prior to Marian Anderson, became the first African-American to be contracted with a major american opera company in 1946. She began , at NYCO with Cio-Cio San; Nedda, Aida, Leonora and Pamina followed. later she became the first African-American to sing a major role at Vienna StaatsOper. Ne'er seen without a full measure of grace, a generous smile and enough poise for all the world, she did her best to prepare students for a life of art.
gjxo 3 weeks ago 2
@gjxo Thank you for sharing this information. I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge on this subject.
novembertalespinner 2 weeks ago in playlist Classical Music by POCs
Thanks for sharing this information. I have a question, what about Camilla Williams place in this time line?
novembertalespinner 3 weeks ago
Somebody really should write a book on this topic. Truly fascinating!!!! Maybe there is one...does anyone out there know???
jelbrown85 4 months ago
An excellent lecture on this great subject. I am however somewhat disappointed and gently disagree with Hawkins here and ask this question, "Why was the great and best soprano voice of all the African American opera singers named Reri Grist left out?" Leonard Bernstein recognized her talent when he invited here to sing with the NYP on Mahler's 4th Symphony at his Young People's Concerts. Reri Grist is perhaps the best soprano voice ever to come from the Black American Opera tradition.
bishop7407 4 months ago 2
Very, very nice!
mrantiquedealer 9 months ago
Love it... I might do one on the Men in opera
TerrancePogue 10 months ago