MUSICIANmilestones...recent obits of classical and traditional popular music performers and composers
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Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Patrice Beverly Munsel (May 14, 1925 – August 4, 2016) was an American coloratura soprano.
Munsel first sang at the Metropolitan at age 17, in March 1943. She made her official Metropolitan debut on December 4, 1943, at the age of 18, singing Philine in Mignon. Her first opera contract was for three years at $40,000 per year; with other appearances she was making around $100,000 annually.
Perhaps best known for the role of Adele in Die Fledermaus, she performed 225 times at the Metropolitan. Sir Rudolf Bing called her a "superb soubrette" and implied that she was the world's best. Her opera roles included Rosina in The Barber of Seville and Despina in Cosi fan Tutte.
