The American coloratura soprano Erie Mills has passed away at the age of 73.
Illinois-born, Ms. Mills made her operatic debut in Prokofiev’s LOVE FOR THREE ORANGES at Chicago Lyric Opera in 1979. In 1986, she made a brilliant debut at New York City Opera as Cunegonde in Bernstein’s CANDIDE. This was followed by her Metropolitan Opera debut as Blonde in Mozart’s ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO in 1987.
Ms. Mills sang with the English National Opera, at La Scala, the Vienna State Opera, San Francisco Opera, Hamburg, and Santa Fe. Her repertoire included Lucia di Lammermoor, Rosina, the Queen of the Night, Adina, Despina, and Juliette. She also maintained a busy concert and recital career.
In later years, she taught at San Jose University and was artistic director of Livermore Valley Opera.
I had the great pleasure of hearing Ms. Mills on three occasions: as Morgana in Handel’s ALCINA (opposite Carol Vaness in the title-role) at New York City Opera in 1983; as Zerbinetta with Boston Lyric Opera in 1991 (opposite Deborah Voigt’s break-through Ariadne); and in Mozart’s APOLLO ET HYACINTHUS at the Mostly Mozart Festival in 1992. Her dazzling technique, ease in the highest range, and lively stage presence made her performances a joy.
Listen to Erie Mills singing Cunegonde’s “Glitter And Be Gay” here.
~ Oberon
Oberon's Glade 