32c Rosa Ponselle stamp

One of four stamps honoring distinguished opera singers of the twentieth century — Lily Pons, Richard Tucker, Lawrence Tibbett, and Rosa Ponselle — featured in the 1997 American Music Series: Opera Singers issue.

Rosa Ponselle (1887-1981) is one of the Metropolitan Opera’s most well known sopranos. However, this leading lady began her career on the vaudeville stage and in theatre productions. In the 1920’s Ponselle got her big break at the Metropolitan Opera, where she consistently played leading roles for twenty years. Despite the fact that she was still a success at the opera, in 1937 Ponselle ended her professional career to focus on her domestic life. However, although she no longer performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Ponselle still remained active in the Opera world through acting as a mentor for up and coming singers.

Scott Catalogue USA: 3157
mint

Copyright United States Postal Service. All rights reserved.

Museum ID: 1998.2008.656