Beverly Sills (1929–2007,) born Belle Miriam Silverman, was an American operatic soprano renowned for her exceptional vocal prowess and contributions to the world of opera. After retiring from her singing career, she became a prominent arts advocate and fundraiser.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sills faced personal challenges, including the loss of her parents at a young age, but her determination and talent propelled her towards a remarkable career in the world of music. Sills made her professional début with the Philadelphia Civic Opera at the age of 18 in a production of Georges Bizet’s Carmen. Her breakthrough came in 1955 when she performed the title role in Handel’s The Siege of Corinth at the New York City Opera, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious association with the company.
Over the next decade, Sills became a leading soprano at the New York City Opera, earning praise for her exceptional vocal range and versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. One of Sills’ most celebrated roles was as Cleopatra in Handel’s Giulio Cesare, a performance that solidified her reputation as a world-class opera singer. Her interpretations of Gaetano Donizetti’s bel canto roles, including the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor, further showcased her vocal agility and emotional depth.
Beyond her stage performances, Sills served as the general director of the New York City Opera 1979–89. Her administrative leadership and commitment to accessibility brought opera to a broader audience. After retiring from singing in 1980, she continued to contribute to the arts in New York City, serving as the chairwoman of Lincoln Center and later as the chairwoman of the Metropolitan Opera.
Sills’s autobiographies are Beverly: An Autobiography (1987) and Bubbles: A Self-Portrait (1976.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Beverly Sills
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
—Beverly Sills
Topics: Resolve, Perseverance, Goals, Graduation, Endurance
I’ve always tried to go a step past wherever people expected me to end up.
—Beverly Sills
Topics: Doing Your Best
You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.
—Beverly Sills
There is a growing strength in women, but it’s in the forehead, not in the forearm.
—Beverly Sills
Topics: Women
I had found a kind of serenity, a new maturity… I didn’t feel better or stronger than anyone else but it seemed no longer important whether everyone loved me or not—more important now was for me to love them. Feeling that way turns your whole life around; living becomes the act of giving.
—Beverly Sills
Topics: Living
Art is the signature of civilizations.
—Beverly Sills
Topics: Civilization, Arts, One liners, Art, Artists
I’m not happy, I’m cheerful. There’s a difference. A happy woman has no cares at all. A cheerful woman has cares but has learned how to deal with them.
—Beverly Sills
Topics: Happiness, Cheerfulness
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Leave a Reply