Stevens, Risë (1913-2013).

American mezzo-soprano.

From the description of Interview conducted by Oliver Daniel, July 12, 1978 [sound recording]. (University of Pennsylvania Library). WorldCat record id: 155861600

American mezzo soprano.

From the description of Typewritten letter signed, dated : [n.p.], 2 January 1962, to Mr. [Joseph] Chouinard, 1962 Jan. 2. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270962262

Risë Stevens, 1913-2013

Risë Stevens was born in New York City on June 11, 1913. She studied at Julliard and Mozarteum, Salzburg, working with Anna Schoen-Rane and Vera Schwartz. She had her debut in Prague and returned to the US for her first appearance at the Metropolitan Opera in 1938. She married Walter Surovy in 1939 and had one son, Nicholas. Until her retirement in 1961, "she virtually owned many of the great mezzo[-soprano] roles" in classic opera. During World War II, she traveled with the Hollywood Victory Caravan. She was a regular performer on both radio and television and recorded for both Columbia and RCA Victor. After her 1961 retirement from performing, Stevens continued her involvement in opera as director of the Met's National Company, "dedicating to taking opera to hundreds of American cities where opera was not available." She later served as president of Mannes College of Music (1975- 78) and returned to the Met as director of its National Council Auditions (1980-88). She established the Risë Stevens scholarship at Adelphi College. Risë Stevens has been honored many times over her long career including honorary degrees from Russell Sage (H.H. D.), Hobart, and Smith Colleges (Mus. D.). Stevens passed away on March 20, 2013.

From the guide to the Rise Stevens Papers MS 154., 1962-1975, (Sophia Smith Collection)

Opera singer; director, Metropolitan Opera National Company.

Rise Stevens was born in New York City June 11, 1913. She studied at Julliard and Mozarteum, Salzburg, working with Anna Schoen-Rane and Vera Schwartz. She had her debut in Prague and returned to the US for her first appearance at the Metropolitan Opera in 1938. She married Walter Surovy in 1939 and had one son, Nicholas. Until her retirement in 1961, "she virtually owned many of the great mezzo[-soprano] roles" in classic opera. During World War II, she traveled with the Hollywood Victory Caravan. She was a regular performer on both radio and television and recorded for both Columbia and RCA Victor. After her 1961 retirement from performing, Stevens continued her involvement in opera as director of the Met's National Company, "dedicating to taking opera to hundreds of American cities where opera was not available." She later served as president of Mannes College of Music (1975-78) and returned to the Met as director of its National Council Auditions (1980-88). She established the Rise Stevens scholarship at Adelphi College. Rise Stevens has been honored many times over her long career including honorary degrees from Russell Sage (H.H.D.), Hobart, and Smith Colleges (Mus. D.).

From the description of Papers, 1962-1975. (Smith College). WorldCat record id: 51671533