Stevens, Risë (1913–)

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Stevens, Risë (1913–)

American mezzo-soprano. Name variations: Rise Stevens. Born Risë Steenbjorg, June 11, 1913, in the Bronx, NY; dau. of Christian Steenbjorg, also seen as Steenberg (Norwegian), and an American mother; studied with Anna Schoen-René at Juilliard School of Music and in Salzburg with Marie Gutheil-Schoder and Herbert Graf; m. Walter G. Surovy, 1939 (died 2001); children: Nicolas Vincent Surovy.

Debuted in Prague (1936), Metropolitan Opera as Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier (1938), Glyndebourne Festival (1939) and Teatro alla Scala (1954); virtually owned the roles of Delilah and Carmen; appeared in the films The Chocolate Soldier (1941), opposite Nelson Eddy, and Going My Way, starring Bing Crosby (1944); retired from singing (1964); served as co-director of Metropolitan Opera National Company (1965–67); was president of Mannes College of Music (1975–78); became managing director of Metropolitan Opera (1988). Voted best female vocalist in radio (1947, 1948); honored at the Kennedy Center (1990).

See also Women in World History.

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