This Day In History: February 10th
Renowned soprano Leontyne Price was an early icon in the world of opera who managed to achieve recognition on an international scale.
Here are five things to know about the late Leontyne Price!
- The Origin Story of Leontyne Price. Before gracing international stages, Mary Violet Leontyne Price spent much of her time singing with her church’s choir. She was born on February 10, 1927, in Laurel, Mississippi, and began displaying an interest in music from a young age. Her parents signed her up for formal training at the age of five and by the time she was in high school, Price was a talented pianist. She even attended The Juilliard School on a full scholarship.
- Making it to Broadway. Price made her Broadway debut before her abilities as a vocalist were recognized. She appeared in the revival of Virgil Thomson’s Four Saints in Three Acts as the character St. Cecilia in 1952. Her performance gave her the opportunity to be a part of a touring production of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Price then began her transition into opera performances with her appearance in NBC’s television opera rendition of Tosca in 1955.
- Becoming an Opera Sensation. In 1957, Price made her opera stage debut at the San Francisco Opera House. Her delivery of the character Madame Lidoine in Dialogues des carmélites put her in the spotlight on a global level and her reputation within the opera community elevated. She then made her New York opera debut at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1961. She portrayed Leonora in Il Trovatore, which solidified her status and allowed her to be a regularly featured soprano at the Met.
- Post “Retirement” Career. Following a successful string of performances, Price made the decision to step away from the opera stage in 1985. She gave a farewell performance in the Met production of Aida. Despite retiring, Price could still be found giving recitals and she also published a children’s book based on the opera Aida, in 1990.
- Awards and Honors. With Price being one of the first African-American international stars of opera, it is no surprise that she is the recipient of many awards. In 1964, Price was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and two decades later, she was honored with the National Medal of the Arts. She has been awarded more than a dozen Grammys, including the Lifetime Achievement award in 1989. Price was also a Kennedy Center Honoree in 1980 and a two-time Emmy award winner.
