Robert Merrill, born on June 4, 1917, is one of the world’s most renowned baritones, making a lengthy career at the Metropolitan Opera throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He was born Moishe Miller and then, later on, was known as Morris Miller. His mother claimed to have had an opera and concert career in Poland and supposedly pushed her son {…}
Happy Birthday United States of America! Today on July 4 we celebrate the birth of the US with its musical symbol of Independence, the Star Spangled Banner. Over the years, many opera stars have interpreted the famed musical anthem in iconic settings. On this day, mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton will add her own rendition to the Macy’s July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza. {…}
Peter Mattei and Robert Merrill do not share much in common. Their birthdays are one day apart in different eras, the former born on June 3, 1965, and the latter on June 4, 1917, and despite being baritones, they are a completely different class of that noble voice. Merrill will always be remembered for the darker timbre and weight that allowed {…}
UPDATE: On Tuesday, Jan. 17 it was announced that Sophie Koch would not be singing the role at the Met and that Clémentine Margaine would be taking over the entire run. For more information, read OperaWire’s coverage on the news. Opera’s most famous gypsy returns to the Metropolitan Opera stage on Thursday, Jan. 19. This year’s run of “Carmen” will {…}
The Cuban Hebrew Congregation-Temple Beth Shmuel of Miami Beach is slated to showcase a gala tribute concert honoring the late legend Robert Merrill for his 100th birthday on Jan. 8, 2017. The performance will feature Rabbi / Cantor Stephen Texon and Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi. The former is of the Cuban Hebrew Congregation while the latter is from the Anshe Emet {…}