Rider-Kelsey, Corinne (1877–1947)

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Rider-Kelsey, Corinne (1877–1947)

American oratorio and concert singer. Name variations: Mme. Rider-Reed; Corinne Rider Kelsey; Corinne Reed. Born Corinne Rider, Feb 24, 1877, near Bergen, NY; died July 10, 1947, in Toledo, OH; dau. of Fannie Rider; m. George Russel Kelsey, Jan 1, 1900 (div.); m. Lynnel Reed (violinist and composer), Aug 25, 1926.

One of America's top musical artists before WWI, became a soloist at First Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, NY (1903); maintained heavy concert schedule on East Coast, including appearances in The Messiah with New York Oratorio Society (1904) and St. Matthew Passion at Bach Festival in Bethlehem, PA (1905); toured with New York Symphony (1908–09); was 1st American-trained singer to perform major role with Royal Opera, as Micaëla in Carmen (1908), but abandoned opera after 3 performances; gave 1st solo recital in New York (1913).

See also Lynnel Reed, Be Not Afraid: Biography of Madame Rider-Kelsey (1955).

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Rider-Kelsey, Corinne (1877–1947)

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