Alwina Valleria

Alwina Valleria (October 12, 1848-February 17, 1925) was an American-born soprano. She was the first American-born singer to appear in principal roles with the Metropolitan Opera.

Born Alwina Schoening in Baltimore, Valleria attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, making her operatic debut in 1871 in St. Petersburg. Following this she appeared in Germany and at La Scala, also singing at Drury Lane in London. A favorite with London audiences, she sang at Her Majesty's Theater from 1877 until 1878, and appeared at Covent Garden from 1879 until 1882. Her American debut came at the Academy of Music on October 22, 1879, when she sang Marguerite in Charles Gounod's "Faust" with the James Henry Mapleson company. On October 26, 1883, she bowed at the Metropolitan Opera, as Leonora in "Il trovatore". She was New York City's first Micaela in "Carmen" in 1878, also creating the role for London. 1884 saw her joining the Carl Rosa company, performing in the world premieres of Alexander Mackenzie's "The Troubadour" and "Nadeshda" by Arthur Goring Thomas.

Valleria retired from the stage in 1886. She died in Nice in 1925.

References

*David Ewen, "Encyclopedia of the Opera: New Enlarged Edition". New York; Hill and Wang, 1963.