Background
Merwe, Barbara Rondelli Van der was born on October 19, 1939 in Chicopee, Kansas, United States. Daughter of Joe and Katie Marie (Limity) Rondelli.
Merwe, Barbara Rondelli Van der was born on October 19, 1939 in Chicopee, Kansas, United States. Daughter of Joe and Katie Marie (Limity) Rondelli.
Bachelor of Music, Kansas State Teachers College, Pittsburg, 1960. Diploma in performance and teaching, Royal Academy Music, London, 1962. Postgraduate, Accademia Chigiana, Siena, Italy, 1963.
Master of Music in Voice, Pittsburg State University, 1978.
Leading lyric soprano, City Opera of Lubeck (West Germany), 1964-1966;
leading lyric soprano, City Opera of Saarbrucken (West Germany), 1966-1968;
leading lyric soprano, City Opera of Wuppertal (West Germany), 1968-1971;
debut role Madama Butterfly, New York City Opera, 1969;
soprano soloist, Helmut Rillling's Gaechinger Kantorei, Stuttgart, West Germany, since 1975;
professor voice, U. Toledo (Ohio), since 1975. Guest artist in major lyric roles State Theater in Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Bonn, Essen, Duisburg, Mannheim, 1967-1972. Guest artist Honolulu Opera, 1971.
Artist numerous concerts and recitals Europe and United States, since 1966.
Member National Association Teachers Singing, Music Teachers National Association, Ohio Music Teachers Association.
Married Johan Van der Merwe, April 6, 1963. 1 child, Brenda Rochelle.