Roberta Peters

Roberta Peters, an acclaimed coloratura soprano, made an indelible mark on the world of opera with her Metropolitan Opera debut in November 1950. Stepping in as Zerlina in ‘Don Giovanni’ with only six hours’ notice for an ailing Nadine Conner, Peters captivated audiences under the guidance of conductor Fritz Reiner, launching a career that would span decades. This unexpected triumph followed her securing a contract in 1949 to sing the Queen of the Night after an audition facilitated by impresario Sol Hurok with Met general manager Rudolf Bing. Peters commenced vocal studies at 13 with William Herman, developing the agile voice and linguistic prowess that would define her career.

In 2000, Peters celebrated the 50th anniversary of her Metropolitan Opera debut with a special performance at Lincoln Center. Peters was also a dedicated philanthropist, serving as chairwoman of the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and actively supporting various Jewish organizations. In recognition of her profound contributions to the arts, she was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts in 1998 by President Bill Clinton. Throughout her life, Peters remained committed to her craft, continuing to perform recitals and never formally retiring, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled vocal artistry and stage presence that captivated audiences globally across a diverse range of platforms.