Barbara McAlister (mezzo-soprano) facts for kids

Barbara McAlister, born in 1942, is a talented opera singer. She is a Native American woman from Muskogee, Oklahoma. She sings with a special voice called a mezzo-soprano, which is a lower female singing voice.

About Barbara McAlister

Barbara McAlister was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1942. She is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation. Her family history connects her to Old Tassel, an important Cherokee leader. Her mother was half German and half Cherokee.

When she was young, Barbara dreamed of becoming a country-western singer. But her parents helped her discover and love opera music. She later received the Cherokee Medal of Honor. This award was given to her for her hard work in helping to keep the Cherokee language alive.

Her Music Career

Barbara McAlister's singing career began when she won the Loren Zachary Competition in Los Angeles. This win helped her start performing in many opera houses. She has sung in places like Passau, Koblenz, and Bremerhaven.

She spent ten years performing in Flensburg, Germany, which was a very important part of her career. Barbara has also given solo concerts at famous places like Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York City. She has performed with many opera groups across Europe and the United States.

Barbara's Artworks

Besides singing, Barbara McAlister is also a talented painter. She paints in a style called the Bacone style. This is a special way of painting from Native American tribes, especially those from the Prairie, Plains, and Eastern areas. Her paintings often show flat shapes and designs.

Her artwork has been shown in several galleries and museums. You could see her paintings at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum and the Jacobson House Native Arts Center in Oklahoma. Her art has also been displayed at the Wharton Art Gallery in Philadelphia and Bullock's in Los Angeles.