The Cleveland Orchestra Launches Third Edition of Classics Concerts

(Credit: Jennifer Taylor) On Thursday, August 20, 2020, The Cleveland Orchestra launched its third collection of full-length concerts on TCO Classics, showcasing some of the orchestra’s most memorable performances across its first half-century at the Blossom Music Center. The collection spotlights performances by Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, clarinetist Benny Goodman, pianist Van Cliburn, violinist Itzhak Perlman, soprano Roberta Peters, and {…}

May 4, 2018

Artist Profile: Soprano Roberta Peters’ Long Association With the Metropolitan Opera

Roberta Peters, born on May 4, 1930, was one of the great American coloratura sopranos of the 20th century. She grew up in New York City and started her musical studies at age 13, under William Herman. He taught her vocal technique as well as French, German, and Italian. From there, she auditioned for Rudolf Bing, who was General Manager {…}

Dec 31, 2017

In Memoriam 2017: Remembering the Major Opera Singers That Passed This Year

For many, 2017 was a year to celebrate with many triumphs. It was also a tough year for arts institutions fighting sexual harassment scandals and numerous political issues. And it was also a year that saw many beloved artists and celebrities’ lives come to an end. The opera world was particularly devastated by the loss of many major stars, some of {…}

Jan 20, 2017

Remembering Roberta Peters’ Genius Through Her Tremendous Artistic Courage in Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’

Roberta Peters’ passing on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 was a rough day for the opera community. The soprano, who had such a memorable career at the Metropolitan, was an artist like no other. She was elegant both physically and vocally and her singing was undeniably fearless. She took on many repertoire classics but never had any qualms about adding her {…}

Jan 19, 2017

Obituary: Legendary Soprano Roberta Peters Dies at 86

Robert Peters has died at the age of 86. The coloratura soprano, who wowed audiences for her brilliant technique and vocal fireworks, died of Parkinson’s disease. The soprano was widely recognized at the Metropolitan Opera, where she made her debut earlier than expected on Nov. 17, 1950. Peters was phoned by General Manager Rudolph Bing who asked her to step in to replace Nadine Conner, {…}

Jan 9, 2017

On This Day – How Rudolf Bing Transformed the Metropolitan Opera Forever

Rudolf Bing’s name towers in the world of opera. The Austrian-born impresario, born on January 9, 1902, has an enduring legacy, in many ways tainted by the scandals and feuds Bing was known to have with the opera’s greatest figures and lesser-known figures during many of the company’s most tumultuous years. But to see the general manager who wielded his {…}