Rather late - she died on 7/2/07. With the more recent death of another opera heavy, Luciano Pavarotti who has been credited with the forwarding of opera into the modern world, Ms. Sills did more than her fair share as well. Professionally she performed not only in grand operas (though she was characterized as popularizing operatura) but also in colleges and smaller local theaters to bring the beauty of the craft of opera to all who would listen, even appearing on The Muppet Show.
She is credited with saving the New York City Opera which was all but broke when she took over and working for the March of Dimes as both of her children were born with disabilities.
As a woman in the opera business she was resented as much as she was respected and ignored those who spoke ill of her and commanded, rather than demanded, the respect of her colleagues.
American opera could likely have been dead without her.
She is credited with saving the New York City Opera which was all but broke when she took over and working for the March of Dimes as both of her children were born with disabilities.
As a woman in the opera business she was resented as much as she was respected and ignored those who spoke ill of her and commanded, rather than demanded, the respect of her colleagues.
American opera could likely have been dead without her.
