Risë Stevens was a prominent American mezzo-soprano renowned for her powerful and expressive voice, captivating audiences during her extensive career with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City from 1938 to the 1960s. Born Risë Gus Steenberg to Norwegian parents, she honed her craft at the Juilliard School for three years and furthered her training in Vienna under esteemed instructors Marie Gutheil-Schoder and Herbert Graf.
Stevens made her operatic debut as Mignon in Prague in 1936 before joining the Vienna State Opera. She gained recognition with her Metropolitan Opera debut in Philadelphia in 1938, shortly followed by her first performance in New York City. Among her most celebrated roles was that of Carmen in Georges Bizet's iconic opera, which became a defining part of her legacy. Other notable performances included Fricka in Wagner's *The Ring of the Nibelung*, Marfa in Mussorgsky's *Khovanshchina*, and Prince Orlovsky in *Die Fledermaus*.
Her acclaimed RCA Victor recording of *Carmen*, conducted by Fritz Reiner, remains a classic since its release in 1951. Stevens also graced the silver screen, appearing in films such as *The Chocolate Soldier* and *Going My Way* alongside Bing Crosby. After retiring from the opera stage, she contributed to the arts as General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera National Company and coached young singers.
Recognized for her contributions to music, Stevens received the University of Pennsylvania Glee Club Award of Merit in 1964 and was honored as a Kennedy Center Honoree in 1990. Her life and career have been documented in biographies by Kyle Crichton and John Pennino, solidifying her legacy in the world of opera.
