American opera singer
Attended Hunter College and graduated in January 1942. Hunter College is now part of the City University of New York.
Was nominated for Broadways 1988 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role -Musical) for a revival of "Cabaret."
Her long career at the Metropolitan Opera (New York) began in 1944 when she won the Auditions of the Air. Soon afterwards, she replaced an ailing Zinka Milanov in Verdis "Il Trovatore". Within 10 days of her Met debut, she also sang Santuzza in "Cavalleria Rusticana" and the lead role in Verdis "Aida".
In 1955, realizing that her soprano voice was shifting, she started a year-long period of study with retired baritone Giuseppe Danise, who helped her to become a mezzo-soprano.
(November 2008) New York City, New York
