Despite her star turn, Price still had her share of skeptics. When Price debuted at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House in 1961 her abilities could no longer be denied. A “lyric soprano,” Price’s “Il Trovatore” performance was so well-received that the audience gave her and the troupe a rousing 35-minute ovation – although Price and her people say it was actually 42 minutes.
Price went on to star in Antony and Cleopatra in 1966, but the opera was not deemed a huge success. By the late 1960s, Price shied away from doing large opera numbers and instead became a recitalist. Opera stage work dwindled even further in the 1970s, although Price performed internationally in solo outings in many of the world’s top festivals.
Price performed the lead role in Aida for the last time on January 3, 1985. The event was televised on PBS, and is regarded as one of her signature performances. After her official retirement, Price worked sporadically for the next 12 years.
Price has won 19 Grammy Awards, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Arts, along with a host of other awards and dozens of honorary degrees.
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