Leontyne Price

Leontyne Price is an American soprano celebrated for Verdi roles and international operatic fame. She was among the first Black singers to achieve major recognition on opera’s leading stages.

Franco Corelli: An Italian tenor known for his powerful voice and leading roles in Italian opera. He sang opposite Price in her Metropolitan Opera debut as Leonora in 1961.
Aida: The title character of Verdi’s opera, an Ethiopian princess enslaved in Egypt. Price’s Aida became one of her most celebrated roles.
Laurel, Mississippi: A city in southeastern Mississippi and the birthplace of Leontyne Price. Price was born and raised in Laurel before pursuing musical training.
Black classical musicians: Musicians of African descent who perform classical music in traditions shaped by European art music. Price’s international success became a landmark for Black performers in opera.
Thomas Schippers: An American conductor who led major opera and orchestral performances. He conducted Price as Bess in the 1952 European tour of Porgy and Bess.
Leonora (Il trovatore): The noblewoman at the center of Verdi’s opera Il trovatore. Price made her Metropolitan Opera debut in this role.
Juilliard School: A performing arts conservatory in New York City. Price studied voice there after earning an education degree from Central State University.
Civil rights movement: A broad movement that sought to end racial discrimination and secure equal rights in the United States. Price’s rise unfolded amid struggles over racial exclusion in American cultural institutions.
Samuel Barber: An American composer whose works include the opera Antony and Cleopatra. He wrote Cleopatra’s role for Price in the opera’s 1966 Metropolitan Opera premiere.
Donna Anna: A noblewoman in Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni, whose father is killed by the title character. Price’s portrayal demonstrated a major role outside her signature Verdi repertory.

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