Background
Verrett, Shirley was born on May 31, 1931 in New Orleans. Daughter of Leon Solomon and Elvira Augustine (Harris) Verrett.
( An inspiring self-portrait of a world-renowned African ...)
An inspiring self-portrait of a world-renowned African American vocal artist This is a fascinating account of a gifted woman's coming of age and rise to success at a time when black classical musicians faced barriers at every turn. Shirley Verrett possessed a talent and ambition so dazzling she could not be denied?and she became one of the most celebrated artists of her time. I Never Walked Alone draws the reader into the world of this graceful, fiery artist, dramatically telling the story of her childhood and her brilliant international career. The book is filled with behind-the-scenes tales of this diva?s great performances, roles, and collaborations, offering insight into her stormy personal relationships as well as her private struggles and critical decisions. Featuring forewords and afterwords by such figures as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Zubhin Mehta, and Claudio Abbado, this richly detailed book paints a vivid picture of a magnificent survivor and an indelible artist known around the world as the black Maria Callas. Shirley Verrett (Ann Arbor, MI, and New York, NY) is currently Professor of Voice at the University of Michigan School of Music. Christopher Brooks is a biographer and award-winning musicologist.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471209910/?tag=2022091-20
Verrett, Shirley was born on May 31, 1931 in New Orleans. Daughter of Leon Solomon and Elvira Augustine (Harris) Verrett.
Associate of Arts, Ventura (California) College, 1951; diploma in voice (scholarship 1956-1961), Juilliard School Music, 1961; Doctor of Music (honorary), College Holy Cross, Massachusetts, 1978.
Debut as mezzosoprano taking title role of Carmen, Spoleto Festival 1962. Same role for debut at Bolshoi Opera, Moscow 1963, New York City Opera 1966, Florence 1968, Metropolitan Opera, New York 1968. Sang at Covent Garden, London in roles of Ulrica (Un Ballo in Maschera) 1966, Amneris (Aida) 1967, Eboli (Don Carlos) 1968, Azucena (II Trovatore) 1970.
Debut at San Carlo, Naples as Elisabetta (Maria Stuarda) 1969, at La Scala, Milan as Delilah (Samson et Dalila) 1970, at Vienna Staatsoper as Eboli 1970, at Teatro Liceo, Barcelona as Eboli 1971, at Paris Opera as Azucena 1972. Other mezzosoprano roles in Orfeo (Gluck), as Dido (Les Troyens), Judith (Bluebeard’s Castle), Neocle (Siege of Corinth), Adalgisa (Norma, first performance at Metropolitan, New York 1976). Made debut as soprano in title role of La Favorita, Dallas Civic Opera 1971.
Debut at San Francisco Opera in title role of L’Africaine 1972. First artist to sing roles of both Dido and Cassandra in one single full-length production of Les Troyens, Metropolitan 1973. Other soprano roles: Lady Macbeth, La Scala 1975, and with La Scala at Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. 1976, also with Opera Company of Boston 1976.
Title role of Norma, Metropolitan Opera 1976 (in the same season took mezzo-soprano role of Adalgisa, being the first singer since Grisi to sing both roles). New Prioress in Dialogues of the Carmelites, Metropolitan 1977. Now sings only soprano roles.
Amellia, La Scala 1978, title role in Favorita, Metropolitan 1978. In Tosca at Metropolitan, New York 1978. Debut appearance at Opera Bastille, Paris 1990.
Frequent appearances with United States and European opera houses, with United States symphony orchestras. Has appeared as soloist on Milan’s RAI. Was subject of BBC TV feature Profiles in Music 1971.
( An inspiring self-portrait of a world-renowned African ...)
Member Mu Phi Epsilon.
Married Louis Frank LoMonaco, December 10, 1963. 1 daughter, Francesca.