Rise Stevens

Risë Stevens (with an umlaut—don’t skip that flair!) was a powerhouse American mezzo-soprano who dazzled opera stages and television screens alike in the mid-20th century. Born in 1913 in New York City, she became a Met Opera legend, famous for her rich, velvety voice and magnetic stage presence. Stevens owned roles like Carmen (Bizet’s fiery heroine) and Dalila (Saint-Saëns’ seductive *Samson and Delilah*), earning her rep as one of opera’s great dramatic talents. She didn’t just stick to the classics, though—her career spanned TV appearances, like her 1960 *Ed Sullivan Show* performances of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “So In Love,” proving she could charm mainstream audiences too.

Beyond the stage, Stevens left a treasure trove of recordings, from live Met performances (check out her 1956 *Carmen*) to studio gems like *Songs My Mother Taught Me*. She even dipped into musical theater, showcasing her versatility. Retiring from opera in 1961, she stayed in the arts as a mentor and advocate, leaving a legacy as one of America’s most beloved classical voices. Fun fact: her name’s pronounced “REE-suh,” but her talent? Unmistakably huge.

Genres

Opera

Related Artists

Birgit Nilsson

Leontyne Price

Maria Callas

Renée Fleming

Montserrat Caballé

Cecilia Bartoli

Anna Netrebko

Joyce DiDonato

Christa Ludwig

Renata Tebaldi

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

Frederica von Stade

Latest Release

Songs My Mother Taught Me

Rise Stevens

Album - 8 Tracks - Released January 17, 2025