Back in New York

While living and studying back in New York City with Marie Louise Wagner, she was able to support herself by accompanying students of famous opera singers in their teaching studios, for example those of Rose Bampton, Giovanni Martinelli, Raymond Buckingham, John Chickering, Rocco Pandiscio, Rosa Ponselle, among many others.

After graduation, she worked as a guest coach at New York City Opera and at the Memphis Opera.

She also appeared as the first female ‘Amahl’ in Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” in a major production in New Jersey. [The composer stipulated that only a male alto was allowed to sing the rÃ´le of Amahl in New York City. This production which also included famed singer Elizabeth Mannion, was the first major one in the Tri-State area with the rÃ´le being performed by a soprano- Rita!]

Amahl in Menottiâ€™s â€œAmahl and the Night Visitorsâ€, New Jersey Opera

Rehearsal for Memphis Opera, â€œDeseretâ€ with (standing) Bob Paul, MauriceStern, Elaine Malbin, Anton Coppola, Rosemary Kuhlman.

Another ‘juvenile’ rÃ´le that Rita performed in this period was that of “‘Flora’ in Britten’s “Turn of the Screw”, a touring production of New York City Opera. (Cast members also included Patria Neway and Richard Cassilly.)

ASIDE: Dustin

ASIDE: Mistaken Identity?

Next: Loving & Stern Â»

Back in New York

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