Metropolitan Opera star, one of the world's most sought-after mezzo-sopranos since the early 1970s, prefers to keep her tw

possible," she continues, her gold jewelry jingling as she settles onto the sofa. Tall and attractive, with large, e

he role of Kundry in Parsifal with Germany's Hamburg Opera. After that she plans some orchestral and opera concerts across the country

lead and a mezzo in a character role. "We may not have the main roles, but we have some of the best parts in opera," she says in her rich Southern accent, shouting

d frequently have their nephews and nieces staying for extended periods. "Our niece Evi, from Austria, is living with us now. She's like a little daughter, and I adore her. She's 18

ok New Orleans. I cook

to be in Paris later th

to go to the Cordon Bleu

three-wee

are a rarity. "It all comes back to the fact that we don't have government subsidy. We have to worry about selling tickets. Opera is an expensive

ood listening with rapt attention to the Metropolitan Opera broadcast on the radio. Immediately following her high school graduation, she was audit

owever, before her talents were fully appreciated there. "It only took me 11 auditions to get into the New

I don't ever listen to my recordings," she says when asked to name her favorite. "I listen to the playbacks, when I can do something about it. But I d

f horses and I would love a goat. I love goats. They're so cute. I love animals - we have a Great Dane and a Labrador - and I'm very much into the business with the Animal Prote

s, and I'm just rabid. I really am. It is so disgraceful. Anytime anybody wants me to do a benefit for animals, just call me and I'll

**

DOUGLAS FA

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