United States 
Artist Spotlight: GUNIN Makes His Debut with Festival-Fuelled Single “The Night”
4 months ago
Roberta Peters, an esteemed coloratura soprano, achieved lasting fame in opera and on television, captivating audiences globally.
Roberta Peters achieved the longest tenure of any soprano in the history of the Metropolitan Opera, performing in 57 Texaco radio broadcasts heard live from the Met.
Ms. Peters sang the company's signature jingle in mellifluous Italian for their "Do you know me?" campaign.
Roberta Peters made 41 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, more than any other classical performer throughout the entirety of the show.
Ms. Peters and a chorus performed a concert as a benefit for the New Jersey-based Hyacinth AIDS Foundation.
Roberta Peters was associated with efforts by the Bronx Music Hall (free admission) via a partnership with the City Council.
Roberta Peters, born Roberta Peterman on May 4, 1930, in New York City, began her musical journey at age 13, studying voice with William Herman. Her dedication to languages and vocal technique under Herman’s guidance prepared her for an unexpected Metropolitan Opera debut. In 1949, impresario Sol Hurok facilitated an audition with Rudolf Bing, the Met’s general manager. Despite her youth and lack of stage experience, Peters secured a contract to sing the Queen of the Night. Her debut came earlier than planned on November 17, 1950, when she replaced an ill Nadine Conner as Zerlina in “Don Giovanni” with just six hours’ notice. This performance, guided by conductor Fritz Reiner, launched her career, establishing her as a significant talent in the opera world.
Following her debut, Peters quickly built a reputation in soubrette and coloratura roles at the Metropolitan Opera, showcasing her agile voice and stage presence. Her repertoire included classics such as Susanna in “The Marriage of Figaro,” the Queen of the Night in “The Magic Flute,” Rosina in “The Barber of Seville,” and Lucia in “Lucia di Lammermoor.” Over her 35-year association with the Met, she performed in 515 productions, becoming one of the most prominent American singers to achieve such an extended tenure. Beyond the Met, Peters performed at major opera houses internationally, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Vienna State Opera, and the Bolshoi in Moscow, where she notably received the coveted Bolshoi Medal in 1972.
Peters also enjoyed a prominent television career, making a record 65 appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and performing on programs like “The Voice of Firestone.” She expanded her artistic endeavors to include operetta and musical theater, appearing in productions such as “The Merry Widow” and “The King and I.” Her philanthropic work included serving as chairwoman of the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and supporting various Jewish organizations. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, Peters was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1998 by President Clinton. She continued to perform recitals throughout her life, never formally retiring, and left behind a significant discography including recordings with RCA, Deutsche Grammophon, CBS, and London Decca. Peters passed away on January 18, 2017, in Rye, New York, at the age of 86.
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