Curtis-Verna, Mary
From Salem Links and Lore
Mary Curtis-Verna, a Metropolitan Opera soprano of the 1950s and '60s was born in Salem on May 9, 1921 and died of complications from a broken hip on Dec. 4th, 2009 at her home in Seattle. Known to opera officianados for her large, flexible voice and astute musicianship, she appeared in nearly 100 performances. Time magazine wrote in 1958, that Curtis-Verna was "the Metropolitan's most highly publicized relief aria-pitcher."
See Also
- "Mary Curtis praises Salem residents for encouragement" Salem Evening News, May 3, 1957, p.1
- "2500 in Ovation to Mary-Curtis-Verna: Met star scores musical triumph in native city" Salem Evening News, May 6, 1957, p.1