Lili Chookasian

**Lili Chookasian** was a beloved American contralto celebrated for her rich, powerful voice and profound artistry. Born in 1921 to Armenian parents, she became a mainstay at New York’s Metropolitan Opera from her 1962 debut as La Cieca in *La Gioconda* through the 1980s. Renowned for her Wagnerian roles like Erda and her moving performances in Mahler’s works (including *Das Lied von der Erde*), she brought warmth and depth to every stage appearance. Offstage, Chookasian championed Armenian composers like Richard Yardumian, lending her voice to his spiritual *Come, Creator Spirit* and the sweeping *Armenian Suite*.

After retiring from performing, she shared her wisdom as a voice professor at Yale University until her passing in 2012. Chookasian’s legacy lives on through her recordings and her role as a cultural bridge, blending operatic tradition with her Armenian heritage.

Genres