Patrick Bade
Leontyne Price, Shirley Verrett, Grace Bumbry and Martina Arroyo: Afro-American Divas
Summary
The lecture reviews four influential African American opera singers who made significant strides in their careers at the Metropolitan Opera (the Met) despite facing initial challenges due to their race. Additionally, the lecture also addresses Rudolf Bing’s cautious approach to introducing African American singers at the Met, primarily casting them in roles where their race was deemed appropriate.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.