Written by: Aisha Patel

Ris Stevens: The Velvet-Voiced Mezzo-Soprano of Opera's Golden Age

Ris Stevens, an American operatic mezzo-soprano, left an indelible mark on the world of opera with her rich, velvety voice and captivating stage presence. For over two decades, she thrilled audiences at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, earning renown for her iconic portrayals of Carmen, a role that became synonymous with her name.

A Life of Music and Passion

Born Ris Gus Steenberg on June 11, 1913, in New York City, Stevens grew up surrounded by music. Her father, Christian Carl Steenberg, was an advertising salesman of Norwegian descent, and her mother, Sarah Sadie Mechanic, was Jewish with Polish and Russian roots. The family's cultural melting pot instilled in Stevens a deep appreciation for the arts, which would shape her life's journey.

Early Career and Training

Stevens' formal music education began at New York's Juilliard School, where she studied for three years. She then traveled to Vienna, where she honed her craft under the guidance of esteemed vocal coaches Marie Gutheil-Schoder and Herbert Graf. Her European debut in 1936 as Mignon in Prague marked the start of a storied career that would take her to the world's most prestigious opera houses.

A Star Rises at the Metropolitan Opera

In 1938, Stevens made her Met debut as Octavian in Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier, opposite Lotte Lehmann as the Marschallin. This triumph was followed by her first appearance on the Met's main stage in New York City, where she sang Mignon in a Saturday matinee broadcast. Over the next two decades, Stevens would become a beloved fixture at the Met, known for her ravishing voice, impeccable acting, and undeniable charisma.

Hollywood Interlude

In the early 1940s, Stevens took a brief detour into Hollywood, where she appeared in a few films, including The Chocolate Soldier (1941) alongside Nelson Eddy and Going My Way (1944) with Bing Crosby. In the latter, she played an opera singer and performed the famous Habanera from Bizet's Carmen.

Directorial Career and Legacy

From 1963 to 1968, Stevens shifted her focus to directing, taking the reins of the Metropolitan Opera National Company. This pioneering endeavor aimed to bring opera to a broader audience across the United States. Her directorial tenure not only demonstrated her artistic versatility but also paved the way for future generations of opera directors.

Awards and Accolades

Throughout her illustrious career, Stevens received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Handel Medallion, awarded by the City of New York for her outstanding contributions to the arts.

Ris Stevens' remarkable life, spanning nearly a century, remains a testament to her unwavering dedication to opera and the performing arts. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, ensuring that her velvety voice and captivating spirit will be remembered for years to come.

• Carmen, Georges Bizet: Stevens' most iconic role, which she performed countless times throughout her career.
• Der Rosenkavalier, Richard Strauss: Her Met debut role, opposite Lotte Lehmann as the Marschallin.
• Mignon, Ambroise Thomas: Stevens' breakout role, which she debuted in Prague in 1936.
• Going My Way, 1944: A Hollywood film featuring Stevens as an opera singer, performing the Habanera from Carmen.