Roberta Peters

Roberta Peters was one of the most durable stars of American opera, and one of the most popular coloratura singers. She was born Roberta Peterman. She began serious voice studies at the age of thirteen. Her teacher was William Pierce Hermann, one of New York's best known vocal coaches, with a reputation for rigorous training, who gave his pupils a secure technical foundation. Hermann brought her to the attention of impresario Sol Hurok and tenor Jan Peerce, who immediately urged the Metropolitan Opera Company to take an interest in her. They hired her when she was nineteen. A...