Caldwell, Sarah (1924–2006)

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Caldwell, Sarah (1924–2006)

American operatic conductor and impresario. Born Sarah Caldwell in Maryville, Missouri, Mar 6, 1924; died Mar 23, 2006, in Portland, Maine; attended University of Arkansas and New England Conservatory of Music; never married.

Leading figure on the Boston music scene, known for her innovative interpretations of operatic works, entered New England Conservatory of Music to continue violin studies (1942); won a scholarship as a violinist at Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood (1946); staged Vaughan Williams' Riders to the Sea at Berkshire (1947); engaged as assistant to Boris Goldovsky, founder of New England Opera Co. (1947); headed Boston University's opera workshop (1952–60); founded Opera Company of Boston (1958); organized a concert of music by women conductors (1976); became 1st woman to conduct the orchestra of Metropolitan Opera in NY (1976); organized cultural exchanges involving several hundred Soviet and American musicians (1988 and 1991).

See also Women in World History.

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