Sherrill Milnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sherrill Milnes
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_and_Roberti_(left),_Festival_Puccini,_Torre_del_Lago_(1997).jpg)
Sherrill Milnes (right) as Scarpia in Tosca (Festival Puccini, 1997)
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| Born | January 10, 1935 |
| Occupation | Baritone |
Sherrill Milnes, born on January 10, 1935, is a famous American opera singer. He is known for his powerful baritone voice, especially in operas by Giuseppe Verdi. From 1965 to 1997, he was a star at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. His voice was strong and clear, perfect for dramatic roles.
By the age of 30, in 1965, he had already performed at the Metropolitan Opera. Soon after, he started performing all over the world. Milnes became one of the most important Verdi baritones in the 1970s and 1980s.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Sherrill Milnes grew up in Downers Grove, Illinois. His parents were dairy farmers. Even as a child, he showed amazing musical talent. He didn't just sing; he also played many instruments. These included the piano, violin, viola, double bass, clarinet, and tuba.
He once thought about becoming a doctor, specifically an anesthesiologist. But his love for music brought him back. He studied music education at Drake University and Northwestern University. He wanted to become a teacher.
From 1958 to 1963, he sang in the Chicago Symphony Chorus. He even performed with the famous Chicago Symphony Orchestra. After college, he spent a summer learning at the Santa Fe Opera. This experience made him decide to become a full-time opera singer. He even studied with the legendary singer Rosa Ponselle. In 2006, he received an honorary degree from North Central College.
A Star on the Opera Stage
Milnes started his opera career in 1960 with the Opera Company of Boston. His first role was Masetto in Don Giovanni. A well-known manager, Herbert Barrett, helped guide his career from the start. In 1961, he performed as Gérard in Andrea Chénier at the Baltimore Opera.
A big moment came in 1964 when he sang Valentin in Gounod's Faust at the New York City Opera. This was the same role he used for his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1965. In 1967, he created a new role, Captain Adam Brant, in the opera Mourning Becomes Electra at the Met.
His European debut was also in 1964, as Figaro in The Barber of Seville in Milan. But it was his performance as Miller in Verdi's Luisa Miller in 1968 that made him famous worldwide. Throughout the 1970s, Milnes was the top baritone at the Met. He was especially praised for his performances in Verdi's operas.
In 1982, Milnes faced some serious vocal problems. It took him time to recover and get his voice back to full strength. In 1984, he sang in the first act of an opera called Monna Vanna. The composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff, had left it unfinished, and it was completed by Igor Buketoff.
Milnes also performed on television. In 1971, he was David in the opera And David Wept on CBS Television. He also played Saint Joseph in a TV version of L'enfance du Christ in 1964.
In 1982, he received the Charles E. Lutton Man of Music Award. The Italian government also honored him as "Commendatore Ordine al Merito della Repubblica." On July 5, 1986, he performed with the New York Philharmonic in Central Park. This concert celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty and was shown live on TV.
In September 1996, the French government honored him with the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. After 32 years and 653 performances, Milnes gave his final performance at the Metropolitan Opera on March 22, 1997. He sang Amonasro in Aida.
In 1998, Milnes wrote a book about his life called American Aria. Today, he is a professor at Northwestern University. He also received the Sanford Medal from Yale University. In 2003, he was given the Order of Lincoln, Illinois' highest honor, for his achievements in the performing arts.
Milnes has lived in Cresskill, New Jersey, and now lives in Palm Harbor, Florida. He lives there with his wife and son, Theo.
VOICExperience Foundation
In 2001, Sherrill Milnes and his wife, soprano Maria Zouves, started the VOICExperience Foundation. This non-profit group helps young singers learn and grow. It began with special classes taught by Milnes and other famous artists.
The foundation is based in Florida. It offers many educational programs, workshops, and community events. In Florida, they have The Florida VOICE Project for singers in the Tampa Bay Area. In New York City, they run the Opera As Drama program. This program helps young opera singers develop their careers. It ends with a public performance at Opera America's National Opera Center. The foundation also runs a Teen VOICE workshop and the Milnes VOICE studio as part of the Savannah Voice Festival.
Images for kids
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Sherrill Milnes (right) as Scarpia in Tosca (Festival Puccini, 1997)
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Sherrill Milnes receiving applause after a performance at a State Dinner in 1977.
See also
In Spanish: Sherrill Milnes para niños
