INTERNATIONAL HOUSE AND...
Leontyne Price
Widely considered one of the greatest American classical singers of her generation, Leontyne Price (b. 1927) lived at I-House from 1949 to 1952. While a student at Juilliard, Price worked at the I-House front desk and spent Sunday afternoons practicing arias in the Home Room. Price went on to become the first African American soprano to debut at the Metropolitan Opera. After graduating, Price remained engaged with the I-House community, served on the Board of Trustees, and was among the first recipients of the Harry Edmonds Award in 1990.
Background image: As a resident, Leontyne Price was a regular performer at Sunday Suppers and other events. Performing in Davis Hall, circa 1950.
In 1992, Price returned to I-House as the inaugural speaker in the Leadership in the Arts program.
When Price worked at the I-House front desk, hers was often the first face to greet residents and guests.
Price’s rendition of Aida is considered the performance that immortalized her as the greatest Verdi soprano of her time.
In 1955, Price starred in NBC’s production of “Tosca,” which marked the first time a Black singer had performed opera on television.
Born in Laurel, Mississippi, in 1927, Leontyne Price received a scholarship to attend New York’s Juilliard School of Music in 1949. Price’s admissions record, 1950.
“I would like with all my heart to be a singer...” Leontyne Price’s admissions record, 1949.