Adele Addison is an acclaimed American soprano known for her contributions to classical music, particularly in opera and oratorio. Born on July 24, 1925, in Springfield, Massachusetts, she gained prominence in the mid-20th century for her clear, expressive voice and technical precision.

Key Contributions and Career Highlights:

Opera and Oratorio Performer:

Addison was a sought-after soprano in both concert and operatic performances. She was particularly known for her work in oratorios and sacred music, performing with major orchestras across the United States.

Collaboration with Leonard Bernstein:

She is best known for providing the singing voice for the character Maria in the 1961 film version of West Side Story, though the role was played onscreen by Natalie Wood.

Prominent Concert Performances:

She performed extensively with major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Addison was a noted interpreter of works by composers such as Bach, Handel, and Mozart.

Pioneering African American Soprano:

She was one of the few Black sopranos to achieve national recognition in the mid-20th century, breaking racial barriers in classical music.

While she did not focus heavily on opera, she became a leading recitalist and concert performer during a time when opportunities for Black classical singers were limited.

Teaching and Mentorship:

Later in her career, she became a respected vocal teacher, sharing her expertise with the next generation of singers.

Addison's legacy lies in her contributions to classical music and the inspiration she provided to Black artists seeking to enter the world of opera and concert performance.