Lily Pons

Radio. Lily Pons at C.K.A.C BAnQ P48S1P22982

Lily Pons - 1935

Lily Pons on 8 January 1945 in Bengal, India - from, Entertainers Visit the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron (BOND 0304) (cropped)

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Lily Pons (April 12, 1898 – February 13, 1976) was a French-American opera singer and actress, known for her coloratura soprano roles in the early to mid-20th century. Born in Draguignan, near Cannes, France, Pons achieved international fame for her exquisite vocal technique and agility, captivating audiences with her performances at major opera houses around the world.

Early Life and Education

Lily Pons was born as Alice Joséphine Pons to a French father and an Italian mother. She initially studied piano at the Conservatoire de Paris, but her interest soon shifted to singing. Under the tutelage of Alberti de Gorostiaga, she developed her voice in the coloratura soprano range, which would later define her career.

Career

Pons made her professional debut in 1928 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, performing the role of Lakmé in Delibes' opera. Her performance was a critical success, leading to engagements in other European opera houses. In 1931, she made her American debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she became a mainstay for the next three decades. Pons was renowned for her roles in operas such as Lucia di Lammermoor, Rigoletto, and La Traviata.

Beyond the opera stage, Pons also ventured into film and television, appearing in several Hollywood movies in the 1930s and 1940s, which helped to popularize opera among American audiences. Her films, often musical comedies, showcased her singing talent as well as her acting skills.

Personal Life

Lily Pons was married three times. Her most notable marriage was to conductor André Kostelanetz in 1938, with whom she collaborated on numerous musical projects. The couple became a power duo in the classical music scene, although they divorced in 1958.

Legacy

Lily Pons left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Her recordings remain treasured for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. Pons was also instrumental in breaking barriers for women in opera, both on and off the stage. She passed away in Dallas, Texas, but her legacy continues through the recordings she left behind and the inspiration she provides to aspiring sopranos.

See Also

• Coloratura Soprano
• Opera Singers
• Metropolitan Opera