Evelyn Lear
An American soprano who became the definitive interpreter of modern opera's most demanding heroines, from Berg's Lulu to Strauss's complex women.
1926–2012 (age 86)·American operatic soprano·Birthday: January 8·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Evelyn Lear brought a rare combination of dramatic fire and vocal intelligence to the operatic stage, particularly in the challenging terrain of 20th-century music. Trained initially as a mezzo-soprano, her voice blossomed into a luminous soprano capable of navigating the angular lines of Alban Berg as effortlessly as the lush romanticism of Richard Strauss. She didn't just sing Lulu or Marie in 'Wozzeck'; she inhabited them, making these complex, often tortured characters viscerally human and emotionally resonant. Her success in Europe, particularly at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, paved the way for triumphant returns to the Metropolitan Opera and other American houses. Lear and her husband, bass-baritone Thomas Stewart, formed one of opera's great power couples, frequently performing together. Her legacy is that of a fearless artist who expanded the repertoire and proved that contemporary opera could be as compelling and beautiful as the classics.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Evelyn was born in 1926, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Evelyn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1926
#1 Movie
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
Evelyn's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1926Born
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1931Started school
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1939Became a teenager
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1942Could drive
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1944Could vote
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1947Turned 21
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1956Turned 30
Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $10,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Heartbreak Hotel" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: Around the World in 80 Days
1966Turned 40
Star Trek premieres on television
Gas: $0.32/galHome: $14,200Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"The Ballad of the Green Berets" — SSgt Barry SadlerBest Picture: A Man for All Seasons
1976Turned 50
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1986Turned 60
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1996Turned 70
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2006Turned 80
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2012Died at 86
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
Key Achievements
- Won a Grammy Award in 1966 for her recording of Berg's 'Wozzeck' with the Metropolitan Opera.
- Became the leading interpreter of Alban Berg's heroines, Lulu and Marie, on international stages in the 1960s and 70s.
- Sang all three major female roles (Sophie, Octavian, and the Marschallin) in Strauss's 'Der Rosenkavalier' throughout her career.
- Perished leading roles in world premieres of operas by composers like Robert Ward and Marvin David Levy.
Did You Know?
She was originally trained as a pianist and oboist before pursuing vocal studies.
She and her husband Thomas Stewart gave a famous joint recital at the White House for President Lyndon B. Johnson.
She created the role of Elizabeth in the world premiere of Robert Ward's 'The Crucible' at the New York City Opera.
“Lulu isn't a villainess; she's a mirror. She shows men what they want to see, and they destroy her for it.”
