Opera Singer. He was an acclaimed Baritone. One of the most dramatic events in the history of the Metropolitan Opera occurred when Leonard Warren, cast as Don Carlo during the performance of La forza del destino in the second act, clutched his chest and pitched forward to the stage. He had suffered a massive heart attack. Later Rodolf Bing stepped before the curtain and announced, "I ask you to honor the memory of one of our greatest artist with a moment of silence". Leonard Warren died at the age of 48. He was the son of Jewish Russian emigrants, who settled in New York City where his father established a fur business. When He was of age, he worked for his father. He always had a good voice and in 1935 joined the chorus of Radio City Music Hall. His break came when he received 1st prize on the Metropolitan Opera's show "Auditions on the Air" and was granted a stipend to study in Italy. Returning to America, he made his debut at the Met with a small part in November of 1938. He quickly advanced, eventually assuming a leading place among the noted baritones of his time. He sang at all the major opera houses: San Francisco, Chicago, Canada and South America. He appeared at La Scala in Milan in 1953, and in 1958 made a grand tour of the Soviet Union. He is remembered by non-opera followers for his recording of "Sea Shanties," a collection of American songs and patriotic hymns often played during national holidays.
Opera Singer. He was an acclaimed Baritone. One of the most dramatic events in the history of the Metropolitan Opera occurred when Leonard Warren, cast as Don Carlo during the performance of La forza del destino in the second act, clutched his chest and pitched forward to the stage. He had suffered a massive heart attack. Later Rodolf Bing stepped before the curtain and announced, "I ask you to honor the memory of one of our greatest artist with a moment of silence". Leonard Warren died at the age of 48. He was the son of Jewish Russian emigrants, who settled in New York City where his father established a fur business. When He was of age, he worked for his father. He always had a good voice and in 1935 joined the chorus of Radio City Music Hall. His break came when he received 1st prize on the Metropolitan Opera's show "Auditions on the Air" and was granted a stipend to study in Italy. Returning to America, he made his debut at the Met with a small part in November of 1938. He quickly advanced, eventually assuming a leading place among the noted baritones of his time. He sang at all the major opera houses: San Francisco, Chicago, Canada and South America. He appeared at La Scala in Milan in 1953, and in 1958 made a grand tour of the Soviet Union. He is remembered by non-opera followers for his recording of "Sea Shanties," a collection of American songs and patriotic hymns often played during national holidays.
Bio by: Paul S.
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