Sylvia Olden Lee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sylvia Olden Lee
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| Born | June 29, 1917 Meridian, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | April 10, 2004 (aged 86) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Genres | European Classical Music, Negro Spirituals |
| Occupation(s) | Vocal coach, accompanist |
| Associated acts | Metropolitan Opera |
Sylvia Olden Lee (June 29, 1917 – April 10, 2004) was an American musician. She was a talented vocal coach and accompanist. A vocal coach helps singers improve their voices. An accompanist plays music for a singer or musician. Sylvia Olden Lee made history as the first African-American person to work for the famous Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She was an expert in European classical music and Negro spirituals.
About Sylvia Olden Lee
Sylvia Olden Lee was born in Meridian, Mississippi. Her father, James Clarence Olden, was a singer in a famous group called the Fisk Quartet. This group also included the well-known singer Roland Hayes. Sylvia loved music from a young age. She studied piano and organ at Howard University and Oberlin Conservatory.
Important Moments in Her Career
Sylvia Olden Lee had many amazing experiences during her career:
- In 1933, she was invited to play music at the White House. This was for the inauguration of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. An inauguration is a special ceremony when a new president officially takes office.
- In 1942, she went on tour with the famous singer and actor Paul Robeson. They traveled and performed together.
- In 1954, Sylvia Olden Lee was hired as a vocal coach for the Metropolitan Opera. This was a very important step. She helped make it possible for the amazing African-American singer Marian Anderson to perform there. Marian Anderson was a contralto, which is a type of female singing voice. Her performance in Un Ballo in Maschera was a huge moment in history.
- In 1956, she began studying with a famous German tenor named Gerhard Huesch. A tenor is a type of male singing voice.
Sylvia Olden Lee also taught music at several universities. One of these was the Curtis Institute of Music.
Her Family and Legacy
Sylvia Olden Lee had a brother named Georg Olden. He was a well-known graphic designer. In 2017, Sylvia Olden Lee was honored in a special concert at Carnegie Hall. This concert celebrated her life and contributions to music. It was supported by the Foundation for the Revival of Classical Culture.
