Myra Merritt facts for kids

Myra Merritt is an American opera singer, known for her beautiful soprano voice. She was born in Washington, D.C., on January 12, 1949. Myra studied music at two famous schools: the Peabody Conservatory of Music and the Catholic University of America. She earned special degrees in music from both places.

Myra Merritt's Opera Career

Singing at the Metropolitan Opera

Myra Merritt first sang at the famous Metropolitan Opera in 1982. This was a very important step in her career. Her first role was the Shepherd in an opera called Tannhäuser. A well-known conductor, James Levine, led the performance.

Myra Merritt performed with the Metropolitan Opera many times until 1991. She sang in several different operas. These included L'enfant et les sortilèges, where she played the Fire. She also sang in La bohème as Musetta, alongside the famous singer Plácido Domingo. Other roles included Antonia in Les contes d'Hoffmann, Clara in Porgy and Bess, Elvira in L'italiana in Algeri, and Zerlina in Don Giovanni.

Performances Around the World

Beyond the Metropolitan Opera, Myra Merritt has performed in many cities. She has sung in major capitals across Europe and the United States. She worked with other important conductors like Sarah Caldwell and Mstislav Rostropovich.

In 2007, a company called Deutsche Grammophon released a DVD. It showed Myra Merritt's 1986 performance of L'italiana in Algeri from the Met. She sang with Marilyn Horne in this show.

Myra Merritt Today

Currently, Myra Merritt shares her knowledge with new singers. She is a Professor of Voice at Bowling Green State University. This university is located in Ohio. She helps students learn how to sing opera.