Ginetta LaBianca (May 12, 1934 - October 30, 2020)

Started by Lisz, November 28, 2020, 06:26:38 AM

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Lisz

Ginetta LaBianca, renowned lyric, coloratura soprano, once recognized as the youngest opera singer in history, has passed away. Ginetta was born in Buffalo, New York, and began her singing and musical training at the age of nine. In March 1950, just a couple of months shy of her 15th birthday, she made her debut as Gilda in Rigoletto in the Italian City of Velletri. Less than two months later, she appeared as Rosina in the Barber of Seville at the Teatro dell'Opera in Rome. These accomplishments garnered her recognition in the Guinness World Records 2010 as the youngest opera singer in history.

In addition to the Rome Royal Opera Company, Ginetta performed with several companies throughout her career including La Scala Opera, the International Grand Opera of Sidney, the Philadelphia Opera at the Tanglewood Institute, the Cincinnati Opera, the Central City Opera, and others. She also performed multiple times at Carnegie Hall, where she made her first appearance at age 17. In Milan, Ginetta was the first prize recipient of the 7th International Competition for Opera Singers.

In 1973, she was invited by President Richard Nixon to perform at the White House at an event in honor of Emperor Haile Selassie.   

In her later years, Ginetta shared her extraordinary gifts and expertise at master and private classes with skilled and aspiring musicians.   

© 2020 NCC

Wendell_E

Quote from: Lisz on November 28, 2020, 06:26:38 AM
In March 1950, just a couple of months shy of her 15th birthday, she made her debut as Gilda in Rigoletto in the Italian City of Velletri. Less than two months later, she appeared as Rosina in the Barber of Seville at the Teatro dell'Opera in Rome. These accomplishments garnered her recognition in the Guinness World Records 2010 as the youngest opera singer in history.

In a leading role perhaps, but Anna Gottlieb had just turned twelve when she sang Barbarina in the world premiere of Le Nozze di Figaro. As an old lady of 17, she was the first Pamina.
"Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience." ― Mark Twain

Scion7

Quote from: Lisz on November 28, 2020, 06:26:38 AM
In 1973, she was invited by President Richard Nixon to perform at the White House at an event in honor of Emperor Haile Selassie.   

follow-up info: He was overthrown in a 1974 military coup by a Soviet Union-backed junta and was murdered by the junta on 27 August 1975.  ??? :(
When, a few months before his death, Rachmaninov lamented that he no longer had the "strength and fire" to compose, friends reminded him of the Symphonic Dances, so charged with fire and strength. "Yes," he admitted. "I don't know how that happened. That was probably my last flicker."

Lisz

#3
Fascinating! I was just reading about Anna Gottlieb on Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Gottlieb

Thank you, both, for adding context.