Roberta Peters

Roberta Peters (May 4, 1930 – January 18, 2023) was an American operatic soprano who became one of the most celebrated singers in opera history, with a career spanning over four decades primarily at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Born Roberta Marie Peterman in the Bronx, Peters grew up in a musically talented family and received vocal training from an early age. She made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1950 as a last-minute substitute for an ailing soprano, a dramatic entrance that launched a remarkable career. Peters became a favorite of Met audiences and management, known for her crystalline lyrical soprano voice, her beauty, and her exceptional interpretive skills in the classical opera repertoire. She specialized in roles by Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi, including iconic parts like Gilda in Rigoletto, Rosina in The Barber of Seville, and Zerlina in Don Giovanni. Throughout her career, Peters sang over 350 performances at the Metropolitan Opera, appeared in numerous recordings, and performed internationally at major opera houses. Beyond the opera stage, she appeared on television variety shows and became a cultural ambassador for opera to broad American audiences. Peters was awarded numerous honors, including a Grammy Award, and was inducted into the Metropolitan Opera Hall of Fame. Her combination of vocal artistry, stage presence, and longevity made her one of the defining soprano voices of her era.