Wonderful positive story which once again illustrates that given the opportunity African ladies can achieve anything.Well done Pretty you are a great role model for all young South Africans.
Mattiwilda Dobbs was the first black to sing at La Scala. Besides Leontyne Price, the following blacks also sang at La Scala: Reri Grist, Barbara Hendricks, Willard White, Lawrence Brownlee, Simon Estes, Martina Arroyo, Jessye Norman, Grace Bumbry, Shirley Verrett.
I think what she meant was the first Black Singer, originating from Africa, to study then perform (later on) in La Scala... She got invited at La Scala as a student... I'm sure La Scalla has a similar Young Artist Program that the MET has in NY...
+sutherland9 I think she was replying to being the first black in their Young Artist program -- where she was still honing and developing her talent. Many opera houses have such programs where they develop young talent, such as Yende's. Price, Bumbry, Norman and others sang there as already established artists. Yende certainly is joining that list now and is conquering all the top opera houses around the world.
I think she meant first black opera singer to be in their young artist program. She mentioned something about studying and honing her skills at LA Scala for 5 years.
I think what she meant was the first Black Singer, originating from Africa, to study then perform (later on) in La Scala... She got invited at La Scala as a student... I'm sure La Scalla has a similar Young Artist Program that the MET has in NY...
Sure is groundbreaking. Art should be about bringing cultures and artists from all over the world together to create beauty. In terms of the first black artist in La Scala, that would be Leontyne Price, who performed in the role of Aida in may, 1960.
