A renowned soprano and generous patron of the arts, she was a leading figure in New York City's cultural scene, supporting institutions like the Juilliard School and Lincoln Center.
Alice Tully, a renowned American singer of opera and recital, is best known for her immense contributions to the world of music and the arts. Her patronage and philanthropy have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of New York City, earning her the reputation as a champion of the arts.
Born on September 14, 1902, in Corning, New York, Alice Tully was the daughter of lawyer and State Senator William J. Tully and Clara Mabel Houghton Tully. She spent her formative years at the Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut, and went on to study music in Paris. Tully began her career as a mezzo-soprano, eventually transitioning to soprano, and made her debut in 1927 with the Pasdeloup Orchestra.
In 1933, Tully appeared in Cavalleria rusticana in New York City, solidifying her position as a talented singer. However, it was her mother's passing in 1958 that marked a significant turning point in her life. She inherited the estate of her grandfather, Amory Houghton Jr., founder of the Corning Glass Works, and began donating a substantial portion of her income to arts institutions, often anonymously.
Tully's philanthropic efforts were instrumental in shaping the cultural landscape of New York City. Her cousin, Arthur Amory Houghton Jr., one of the founders of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, encouraged her to support the establishment of a chamber music hall. In 1963, John D. Rockefeller III convinced her to allow the hall to be named Alice Tully Hall in her honor. This iconic venue has since become a hub for chamber music and other performances.
Tully's contributions extended far beyond the naming of a hall. She chaired the board of directors of the New York Chamber Music Society and served on the boards of the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Juilliard School. Her patronage enabled the commissioning of new works, including Olivier Messiaen's Des canyons aux étoiles..., which premiered at Alice Tully Hall in 1974.
In 1970, Tully was awarded the Handel Medallion for her contributions to the cultural life of New York City. This prestigious accolade recognized her tireless efforts in promoting the arts and her dedication to the city's cultural institutions.
Alice Tully's legacy extends far beyond her own lifetime. Her philanthropy and patronage have inspired generations of artists, musicians, and arts enthusiasts. Her selflessness and dedication to the arts have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of New York City, and her name has become synonymous with excellence and generosity in the world of music and the arts.
Alice Tully passed away on December 10, 1993, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and nourish the cultural scene in New York City and beyond.
Through her unwavering dedication to the arts, Alice Tully has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of New York City. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists, musicians, and arts enthusiasts, cementing her place as one of the most influential patrons of the arts in American history.
Born in 1922
A renowned Italian opera singer and actress, celebrated for her powerful, expressive voice and iconic performances in Verdi and Puccini operas. Her legendary recordings remain widely admired today.
87 Years Old
A renowned literary critic and professor, known for his insightful book reviews and commentary on modern literature. He's a prominent voice in the literary world, shaping the way people think about books and authors.
99 Years Old
Renowned for her powerful, expressive voice and iconic performances in operas like "Aida" and "Tosca", she is a trailblazing soprano who broke racial barriers in the opera world.
92 Years Old
A renowned opera singer and actress celebrated for her rich, velvety voice and impressive vocal range, starring in numerous operas and musicals.
Born in 1917
A virtuosic jazz vocalist known for her pure, expressive tone, impeccable phrasing, and incredible scat singing abilities. She won 13 Grammy Awards and recorded over 200 albums.
Born in 1915
Legendary jazz vocalist and actress known for her expressive, emotive singing style and iconic songs like "God Bless the Child" and "Strange Fruit".
Born in 1924
A legendary jazz vocalist and pianist, known for her powerful, soulful voice and iconic renditions of blues and jazz standards.
