Debra Lew Harder
Debra Lew Harder (born 1960 or 1961) is an American pianist and radio announcer and host of the Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts. Harder was named as the fifth host of the broadcasts in 2021, succeeding the retiring Mary Jo Heath.
Harder was previously an announcer for classical music on radio station WRTI in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Biography
Debra Miyoung Lew
Harder later moved to Philadelphia, where she shifted to mainly teaching music rather than performing, and she served on the faculties of Haverford College and Bryn Mawr College.[2][5] She was host of the classical music programs on local radio station WRTI from 2016 to 2021.[7] In 2021, she was named as the new host of the Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts, taking the place of the retiring Mary Jo Heath.[8] Harder is the fifth person in 93 years to hold the job since the radio broadcasts began in 1931.[2]
Personal life
In 1985, she married Thomas Harder.[1][2] He is a physician.[2] They have two children.[2]
References
- ^ Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Tonguette, Peter (May 28, 2023). "Musician turned radio host Debra Lew Harder heard by millions of Metropolitan Opera fans". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ "Dr. Debra Lew Harder '79 Named Radio Host for the Metropolitan Opera". WRA Magazine. Western Reserve Academy. Winter 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2023 – via Issuu.
- ^ Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "Debra Lew Harder Named Metropolitan Opera Radio Host, Only the Fifth in the Company's History" (Press release). New York: Metropolitan Opera. September 20, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- Newspapers.com.
- ^ Dobrin, Peter (September 20, 2021). "WRTI's Debra Lew Harder is the new host of Metropolitan Opera broadcasts". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ Salazar, Francisco (September 21, 2021). "Metropolitan Opera Names New Radio Host". operawire.com.