Evelyn Lear

Evelyn Lear was a renowned American operatic soprano, celebrated for her impressive musical range and versatility. Throughout her career, which spanned from 1959 to 1992, she successfully performed in over 40 operatic roles, collaborating with every major opera company in the United States. Her repertoire showcased her ability to master a wide range of characters, notably all three main female roles in Der Rosenkavalier.

Lear's contributions to opera also extended to her work in 20th-century pieces, where she premiered and performed works by notable composers such as Robert Ward, Alban Berg, and Marvin David Levy. Her dedication to contemporary opera also included collaborations with Rudolf Kelterborn and Giselher Klebe. In recognition of her outstanding talent, Lear was awarded a Grammy Award in 1966. Her personal life was marked by a long-standing marriage to American bass-baritone Thomas Stewart, with whom she shared her life until his passing in 2006.