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Ruth Welting studied voice in New York, Rome and Paris and became a renowned coloratura soprano who sang throughout the world for over twenty years.
Ruth made her professional debut in 1971 with the New York City Opera as Blonde in Mozart's "The Abduction from the Seraglio." From there she went on to debut at the Metropolitan Opera on March 20, 1976, where she sang the role of Zerbinetta in Strauss' "Ariadne auf Naxos." Her last performance at the Met was as the Queen of the Night in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" in November, 1993.
Ruth sang hundreds of roles across the world and was well known among American Opera audiences in Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, Chicago and many other North American cities. Her magnificent voice, coupled with her stage presence and acting ability made her the quintessential performer in roles such as Olympia, Zerbinetta, Lucia, La Fee and others.
Ruth left the opera stage in 1994, happy and at peace with her choices, and with what she had accomplished. She went on to study at Syracuse University in New York. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies, and was elected to the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Ruth subsequently entered the Master of Social Science program at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. While pursuing her studies in government, she continued conducting master classes in voice.
Ruth's unparalleled voice will long be remembered and sorely missed in the opera world. The absolute clarity and pitch of her lyrical high range and amazing extensions were attributes rarely heard in opera.
Ruth died of cancer on December 16, 1999, unafraid and at peace, in her home in Asheville, North Carolina. Her life-long friend, Gloria Howell was at her side at the time of her death.
This website is dedicated to Ruth Welting's memory. In it you will find discussions of her work, audio excerpts from some of her performances, and other remembrances.
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