Angelene Collins Rasmussen (died June 29, 2005)[1] was an American soprano. In 1950, she was a winner of the Walter W. Naumburg Competition.[2][3][4]

Early life

She was born Angelene Collins in Dallas, Texas, but spent most of her childhood in Oklahoma.[5] After studying viola throughout her childhood, she began taking voice lessons as a high school senior.[5] She received a scholarship to study music at Oklahoma College for Women, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Voice in 1943.[5] She then received a fellowship to study at the Juilliard School of Music with Francis Rogers, and she graduated with a Masters of Music degree.[5] She was represented by the National Music League, which booked her in recitals and concert appearances around the United States.[3] In 1950, she won the Walter W. Naumburg competition; she was the first vocalist in five years to receive the award.[6] She then toured as an assisting artist with Lauritz Melchior.[7][8][9] She sang in the premiere performance of Lois Albright's opera, Hopitu (Hopi people), based on Hopi chants, which premiered February 16, 1955 at Carnegie Hall.[10] In later life, she was a judge for Metropolitan Opera auditions.[9]

Personal life

On May 25, 1958, she married Lawrence Rasmussen, head of the music department at Adelphi University.[7] Their son, Lauritz John Albert, was born in 1964.[11]

References

  1. ↑ Rasmussen, Angelene. Obituary. Newsday, July 3, 2005.
  2. ↑ "Previous Winners," Archived 2011-12-11 at the Wayback Machine Walter W. Naumburg Foundation, Accessed February 19, 2016.
  3. 1 2 "Angeline Is Doing All Right," Oklahoman, April 16, 1950.
  4. ↑ Hunt, Morton M. "They Give Kids A Break," The Saturday Evening Post, May 10, 1952, p.24, 59-65.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Angelene Collins Will Give Concert," Oklahoman, April 21, 1951, p.19.
  6. ↑ "Angelene Collins to Be Guest Artist," Oklahoman, October 24, 1950, p.11.
  7. 1 2 Harrison, Margaret. "Just Looking Around: Pair Plans Wedding Trip to Europe," The Oklahoman, May 27, 1958, p. 10.
  8. ↑ Nisbet, Fairfax. "Melchior Serves Delightful Musical Smorgasboard," Dallas Morning News, October 31, 1953, p.8.
  9. 1 2 Martin, Douglas. "About New York; Searchers' Cry: Will a Real Hero Please Sing Out!," March 21, 1990. Accessed February 19, 2016.
  10. ↑ Griffel, Margaret Ross. Operas in English: A Dictionary, Scarecrow Press, 2013, p.227.
  11. ↑ "Son to the Rasmussens," New York Times, Mary 15, 1964. Accessed February 19, 2016.
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