Ruth Ann Swenson
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Ruth Ann Swenson | |
---|---|
Born | Bronxville, New York, U.S. | August 25, 1959
Occupation | Operatic soprano |
Years active | 1981–2010 |
Spouse | David Burnakus |
Ruth Ann Swenson (born August 25, 1959) is an American soprano who is renowned for her coloratura roles.
Early years
Born in
Career
Swenson made her
Swenson has appeared on many opera stages, including the
Roles she has played include Liù in
Swenson received an honorary doctorate degree in April 2006 from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she has taught master classes.[1]
In March 2007, she returned to the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, singing the role of Marguerite in Faust.[2] The March 17 performance was broadcast internationally. On April 21, 2007, she performed the role of Cleopatra in Handel's Giulio Cesare at the Met.[3] However, Swenson was unhappy with Metropolitan's General Manager Peter Gelb's apparent decision not to use her as much as his predecessor Joseph Volpe had.[3] Swenson stated: "It’s hurtful. I’m a New Yorker. I’ve sung here for many, many years. I’ve had great success. I’ve never let them down. It’s so stressful to get up onstage and realize that the top guy doesn’t like you, and there’s nothing I can do about it. Nothing."[3]
In May 2007 she again sang Marguerite at the Cincinnati Opera, and sang the role of Hannah Glawari in the Dallas Opera's The Merry Widow in November–December 2007 opposite Rod Gilfry.
In June 2008 she sang Ginevra in
On July 6, 2008, Swenson was awarded the San Francisco Opera Medal, the company's highest artistic honor. According to David Gockley, General Director of the San Francisco Opera, "Swenson has had a long and illustrious history with this Company, and we are thrilled to honor her significant contributions to San Francisco Opera and the performing arts in this way."[2]
She returned to the Met in 2010 as Musetta in La bohème.
Personal life
Swenson was diagnosed with
Swenson is married to baritone David Burnakus.[3]
Discography
- Marilyn Horne: Divas in Song, RCA Victor Red Seal CD
- Ruth Ann Swenson: Positively Golden, EMI Classics CD
Videography
- James Levine's 25th Anniversary Metropolitan Opera Gala (1996), Deutsche Grammophon DVD, B0004602-09
References
- ^ a b c Schweitzer, Vivien (October 18, 2006). "Soprano Ruth Ann Swenson Diagnosed With Breast Cancer". PlaybillArts. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
- ^ a b Martinfield, Seán (July 5, 2008). "Ruth Ann Swenson to receive San Francisco Opera Medal". San Francisco Sentinel. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
- ^ a b c d Wakin, Daniel J. (April 5, 2007). "Mainstay Soprano Feels Snubbed by the Met". The New York Times. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
- ^ Zinko, Carolyne (June 22, 2008). "Ruth Ann Swenson". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 18, 2023 – via SFGATE.