Opera Singer. Considered to be one of the best known opera singers of the 1960s and 1970s, she was renowned for her coloratura roles in operas around the world. Born Belle Miriam Silverman in Brooklyn, she became General Manager of the New York City Opera in 1980 after retiring from her singing career. Subsequently, in 1994, became Chairman of Lincoln Center and in 2002, of the Metropolitan Opera. She used her celebrity status to further charity work for the prevention and treatment of birth defects. In 1981, Barnard College awarded her its highest honor, the Barnard Medal of Distinction. She was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2007. Although she overcame cancer in 1974, she died of an aggressive form of lung cancer.
Opera Singer. Considered to be one of the best known opera singers of the 1960s and 1970s, she was renowned for her coloratura roles in operas around the world. Born Belle Miriam Silverman in Brooklyn, she became General Manager of the New York City Opera in 1980 after retiring from her singing career. Subsequently, in 1994, became Chairman of Lincoln Center and in 2002, of the Metropolitan Opera. She used her celebrity status to further charity work for the prevention and treatment of birth defects. In 1981, Barnard College awarded her its highest honor, the Barnard Medal of Distinction. She was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2007. Although she overcame cancer in 1974, she died of an aggressive form of lung cancer.
Bio by: Fred Beisser
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