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Myra Merritt facts for kids

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Myra Merritt is a talented American opera singer, known as a soprano. A soprano is a singer with a very high voice. Myra Merritt was born in Washington, DC, on January 12, 1949. She studied music at two well-known schools. She earned her first music degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Later, she received a master's degree from the Catholic University of America.

Early Career and Famous Performances

Myra Merritt began her professional singing career at a very famous place. This was the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She made her first appearance there in 1982. Her debut role was the Shepherd in an opera called Tannhäuser.

Singing at the Metropolitan Opera

Myra Merritt sang many times at the Metropolitan Opera. She performed there from 1982 until 1991. She took on many different roles in various operas. For example, she was the Fire in L'enfant et les sortilèges. She also sang as Musetta in La bohème. In this opera, she performed alongside the famous singer Plácido Domingo.

Key Roles and Collaborations

Some of her other important roles included Antonia in Les contes d'Hoffmann. She also played Clara in Porgy and Bess. Myra Merritt was Elvira in L'italiana in Algeri. She also performed as Zerlina in Don Giovanni. She worked with many famous conductors, like James Levine and Julius Rudel.

Performing Around the World

Beyond the Metropolitan Opera, Myra Merritt sang in many places. She performed in major cities across Europe. She also sang in many cities throughout the United States. She worked with other important musicians. These included conductors like Sarah Caldwell and Mstislav Rostropovich.

Preserving Her Performances

In 2007, one of her performances was released on DVD. This was her 1986 Metropolitan Opera show of L'italiana in Algeri. On this DVD, she sang with Marilyn Horne. This allows people today to see her amazing performances.

Myra Merritt Today

Today, Myra Merritt shares her musical knowledge with others. She is a Professor of Voice at Bowling Green State University. This university is located in Ohio. She teaches young singers how to use their voices.

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