Celebrating Camilla Ella Williams in the Shadows of Opera History by Crys Williams
And February is also Black History Month!
Today's HolidArt pays homage to a late and very great Camilla
Ella Williams, who passed February 2, 2012 at the golden age of
92. She was a lyric soprano, who was privileged to be the first
African-American to belong to the New York Metropolitan Opera, and the first
black woman to teach voice at Indiana University - Bloomington.
In the mid-1940s, Camilla Williams was a star. While in the
shadows of the great Marian Anderson, she sang on the first recordings of Gershwin's Porgy & Bess.
Her list of accomplishments also includes a highly underrated
performance of the National Anthem before Dr. Martin Luther King gave
his immortal “I Have
a Dream” speech.
This trailblazer broke down racial barriers on the Opera
scene, and even sang in Asian makeup and garb in Madama Butterfly—unheard of in the world where it was an insult to
the audience for any African American to dress in white skin.
But, what was American Opera like in 40s & 50s? And who is this highly underrated opera singer who falls under the shadows of Marian
Anderson?When was she born? Was she married? How did she live her
life?
DON’T WAIT FOR ME TO TELL YOU! The best way to celebrate Opera
Day and Black History Month or any occasion, is by taking your precious time to
learn more:
Or watch a video here: Camilla Williams Tribute
Opera Day not your thing? No worries, there are seven
occasions on February 8th!
Crys Williams is the Chief Ambassador of Occasions for H_Daily Social Media Calendar. She is a a dog loving Detroiter who strongly dislikes haters and bah-humbugs. Celebrate everyday with H_is for Holidays....
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