Blanche Thebom

I was at that same performance of "Aida" in Memphis. Milanov and Del Monaco planted themselves and sang like angels, but Thebom was such a riveting actor, as well as gorgeous singer, the piece became all about Amneris. I was 14. She changed my life -- greatly for the better. I wonder that the NY Times obit did not mention her historic recording of "Tristan" with Flagstad and Melchior, something of which she was most proud.

A great loss. When I was 8 years old, my parents took me to the S.F. Opera House to hear Ms. Thebom in concert. Afterward, we headed to the stage entrance awaiting her exit and for an autograph. She emerged in her long, gorgeous evening gown, her hair in luxurious braids with a beaded hat that she referred to as her "yarmulke", came over to me and signed my program as a photographer from The Chronicle took our photo - I still to this day 60 years later treasure these. Then after signing...

A great loss. When I was 8 years old, my parents took me to the S.F. Opera House to hear Ms. Thebom in concert. Afterward, we headed to the stage entrance awaiting her exit and for an autograph. She emerged in her long, gorgeous evening gown, her hair in luxurious braids with a beaded hat that she referred to as her "yarmulke", came over to me and signed my program as a photographer from The Chronicle took our photo - I still to this day 60 years later treasure these. Then after signing...

Blanche Thebom introduced me to a new world of opera and art at a performance in 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee. My music teacher in the 8th grade (another example of why all public schools need music programs to achieve excellence in other subjects) at Pulaski Heights Junior High in Little Rock told us about the Metropolitcan Opera from New York giving a performance in Memphis, only 140 miles away. This was a three hour drive before the interstate. My mother, always game, bought great seats for...