Teresa Stich-Randall, a celebrated American soprano opera singer, was born on the festive occasion of Christmas Eve, December 24, 1927, in the charming town of West Hartford, Connecticut, to John Stich and Mary Theresa (Zils) Stich, a loving couple who welcomed her into the world. She was blessed with a younger brother, Edward, who would become an important part of her life.
Teresa embarked on a musical journey, pursuing her passion for music at the esteemed Hartt College of Music, where she had the privilege of studying under the guidance of the renowned Ivan Velikanoff. Subsequently, she further honed her skills at Columbia University, followed by a stint at the University of Perugia, where she immersed herself in the world of music.
As the late 1940s drew to a close, a talented young vocalist was unearthed by the renowned maestro Arturo Toscanini, who promptly extended an invitation for her to join his esteemed NBC Symphony Orchestra in New York City for a string of performances.
Impressed by her exceptional abilities, Toscanini bestowed upon her the highest of praise, deeming her "the find of the century". This remarkable opportunity led to her appearance as Nanetta in a two-part NBC radio broadcast of Verdi's iconic opera, Falstaff, in the year 1950.
This groundbreaking broadcast would later be released in various formats, including LP, 45-RPM, and CD, allowing her impressive talent to be shared with a wider audience.
Teresa embarked upon a remarkable journey to the European continent, having been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, which afforded her the extraordinary opportunity to hone her craft and establish herself as a renowned singer. It was within the picturesque city of Florence, Italy, that Teresa made her European debut in the esteemed opera Weber's Oberon, captivating the audience with her mesmerizing performance as a mermaid. In a truly breathtaking feat, Teresa astounded the crowd by singing while simultaneously swimming in the majestic fountain of the Boboli Gardens, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed her talent.
Following her triumphant debut, Teresa's remarkable skills earned her a coveted victory in a prestigious competition held in Lausanne, Switzerland. This remarkable achievement led to a series of notable appearances with the esteemed Basel Opera, further solidifying her reputation as a talented and accomplished singer.
Noted soprano was a stalwart presence on the stages of the esteemed Vienna State Opera, as well as the renowned Salzburg Festival, where her vocal talents were showcased to great acclaim. Beginning in 1955, she became a beloved fixture at the summer events held in the picturesque French town of Aix-en-Provence, earning widespread recognition for her captivating portrayals of the iconic characters Donna Anna in Mozart's Don Giovanni and the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro, two roles that would forever be etched in the minds of audiences and critics alike.
In the year 1962, the Austrian Government bestowed upon her the prestigious title of Kammersängerin, a distinction reserved for vocal artists of exceptional talent and merit.
Her professional journey began in 1955 with a debut performance as Gilda in Giuseppe Verdi's renowned opera, Rigoletto, at the esteemed Chicago Lyric Opera.
Four years later, in 1959, she made her first appearance at the iconic Metropolitan Opera in New York City, taking on the role of Dorabella in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's beloved opera, Così fan tutte.
Her association with the Metropolitan Opera would continue for the next five years, with her remaining on their roster of talented singers until 1966.
In 1963, she made her Boston debut, performing for the prestigious Peabody Mason Concert series, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished vocalist.
Teresa's illustrious music career, marked by numerous notable recordings, was a testament to her exceptional vocal talents. Her impressive repertoire included iconic operas such as Verdi's Falstaff, Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier, Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, and Monteverdi's L'Orfeo. As her professional career began to wind down by the early 1980s, Teresa eventually brought her remarkable tenure to a close. Tragically, her life came to an end in Vienna, at the tender age of 79, due to natural causes. In accordance with her final wishes, Teresa was cremated at the esteemed Feuerhalle Simmering, where her ashes were subsequently interred.
