Leontyne Price
The African-American I have chosen is Leontyne Price. She was raised in the colored section of
Laurel, Mississippi. She has been described as a "lirico-spinto" soprano. Her rock-solid vocal
technique and purity and her dramatic flair have been combined to create a mix suitable both for
the opera and concert stage. She first started singing at area social events. After attending Central
State University, she went to Julliard. While attending Julliard, she appeared in revivals of
Gershwin's Porgy and Bess and Four Saints in Three Acts, by Virgil Thomson. The Porgy and
Bess cast toured the United States and Europe with baritone William Warfield and Price singing
the title roles. Price was engaged to sing the lead for the National Broadcasting Company's
production of Puccini's Tosca in 1955. Even though there were strenuous objections, and some
cancellations, from local affiliates, her dramatic portrayal and vocal performance in this historic
broadcast were a critical success. Other televised operatic roles soon followed. Price sang Verdi's
Aida for the first time in 1957. She identified strongly with the character. Her success led her to
Vienna to sing for conductor Herbert von Karajan, and in 1960, to the stage of La Scala. In
January 1961, she debuted at the Metropolitan Opera as Leonora in Verdi's Il Trovatore. Her
performance was a success to the audience who witnessed it, and to the New York critics as well.
There, she was signed for additional roles and at other houses around the world. By the mid
1960's, her reputation had grown to the point that she was offered the lead in the Samuel Barber
opera commissioned especially for the opening of the Met's new facilities at Lincoln Center.
Though spoiled by the extremes taken in costuming and staging, the opening performance of
Antony and Cleopatra solidified Price's place as one of the world's great divas.
Price's notoriety allowed her the freedom to select roles she wanted; often taking rests between
runs, in the years that followed. In the 1970's she increased the number of recitals and made
several operatic and concert recordings. Also, she earned 18 Grammy awards over the years. Price
retired from the opera stage at the Met in 1985 with her signature role, Aida. Millions viewed the
live telecast.
. Leontyne Price
The African-American I have chosen is Leontyne Price. She was raised in the colored section. success. Other televised operatic roles soon followed. Price sang Verdi's
Aida for the first time in 1957. She identified strongly with the character. Her