Beverly Sills
Early Life and Education
Beverly Sills, born Belle Miriam Silverman on May 25, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, was an American operatic soprano renowned for her versatile voice and charismatic stage presence. Her parents, Morris and Shirley Silverman, were Jewish immigrants from Odessa, Ukraine. Sills displayed an early talent for singing, winning a children's radio contest at the age of three. She continued to perform on radio shows throughout her childhood, gaining experience and honing her craft.
Sills' formal education in music began at the Professional Children's School in Manhattan, where she studied voice, piano, and dance. She later attended the Juilliard School, one of the most prestigious music conservatories in the United States, where she received rigorous training in operatic performance. Her early exposure to the performing arts and her comprehensive education laid the foundation for her illustrious career.
Career Beginnings
Sills made her professional stage debut in 1947 with the Philadelphia Civic Opera, performing in the operetta "The Merry Widow" by Franz Lehár. Her breakthrough came in 1955 when she joined the New York City Opera (NYCO), where she would become one of the company's leading sopranos. Her role as Rosalinde in Johann Strauss II's "Die Fledermaus" garnered critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in the operatic world.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Sills expanded her repertoire, tackling roles in both standard and contemporary operas. Her performances in works by composers such as Gaetano Donizetti, Giuseppe Verdi, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart showcased her technical prowess and emotional depth. Sills' ability to convey complex characters and her exceptional vocal agility made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike.
Major Roles and Achievements
One of Sills' most celebrated roles was that of Cleopatra in Handel's "Giulio Cesare," which she performed at the NYCO in 1966. Her portrayal of the Egyptian queen was lauded for its vocal brilliance and dramatic intensity. This performance marked a turning point in her career, leading to engagements with major opera houses around the world.
In 1969, Sills achieved international fame with her portrayal of the title role in Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor" at the NYCO. Her interpretation of Lucia's mad scene, a demanding and emotionally charged aria, was hailed as a tour de force. This role solidified her reputation as one of the leading coloratura sopranos of her generation.
Sills continued to excel in a wide range of operatic roles, including Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata," the title role in Donizetti's "Maria Stuarda," and the Queen of the Night in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Her versatility and commitment to her craft earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Soloist in 1976.
Later Career and Leadership
In the 1970s, Sills began to transition from performing to leadership roles within the opera community. In 1979, she was appointed General Director of the New York City Opera, becoming one of the first women to lead a major American opera company. Under her leadership, the NYCO expanded its repertoire, increased its outreach efforts, and achieved financial stability.
Sills was also a tireless advocate for the arts, serving as the chairwoman of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Metropolitan Opera. Her efforts to promote opera and classical music extended beyond the stage, as she frequently appeared on television talk shows and hosted her own program, "Lifestyles with Beverly Sills."
Personal Life and Legacy
Sills married journalist Peter Greenough in 1956, and the couple had two children, Meredith and Peter, Jr. Despite facing personal challenges, including her daughter's deafness and her son's developmental disabilities, Sills remained dedicated to her family and her career.
Beverly Sills passed away on July 2, 2007, at the age of 78. Her legacy endures through her numerous recordings, her contributions to the opera world, and her advocacy for the arts. Sills' impact on American opera and her role as a trailblazer for women in leadership positions continue to inspire future generations of performers and arts administrators.