Nan Merriman

Nan Merriman, born Katherine Ann Merriman, was an American operatic mezzo-soprano renowned for her radiant presence and expressive voice. Born in Pittsburgh in 1920, Merriman studied under the esteemed vocal coaches Alexia Bassian and Lotte Lehmann, honing her craft in Los Angeles. Her career took off in the 1940s, with notable performances during a tour with Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, where she sang arias by Palestrina and Purcell during set changes of "Romeo and Juliet." Merriman's operatic debut came in 1942 as Cieca in "La Gioconda" at Cincinnati. Throughout her career, she captivated audiences with her beautiful natural vibrato and perfect pitch, particularly in the Netherlands, where she met and married Dutch tenor Tom Brand. Merriman retired from performing in 1965 to care for her family but remained a beloved figure, especially in the Netherlands, through her concerts and recordings. Her legacy endures through her recorded works, which showcase her tender and passionate voice, making her a cherished figure in the world of opera.