Leontyne Price, born Mary Violet Leontyne Price, is an iconic American spinto soprano who shattered barriers and captivated audiences worldwide. As the first African-American soprano to achieve international acclaim, Price's powerful and distinctive voice made her a trailblazer in the opera world. She began her illustrious career with a long-standing association with the Metropolitan Opera in 1961 and went on to perform at prestigious venues such as the Royal Opera House, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and La Scala, where she was the first African American to sing a leading role. Price is particularly celebrated for her breathtaking performances of the title role in Verdi's "Aida," earning her the title of "The Verdi Soprano of the Century" from critic John Steane. Her repertoire spanned the works of Verdi, Mozart, Puccini, and many others, and she received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Price's legacy as a groundbreaking artist and one of the most celebrated voices of all time continues to inspire generations of opera enthusiasts.
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