Merriman, Nan (1920–)

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Merriman, Nan (1920–)

American mezzo-soprano. Born Katherine-Ann Merriman, April 28, 1920, in Pittsburgh, PA; studied with Alexia Bassian and Lotte Lehmann.

Made debut with Cincinnati Summer Opera (1942), Piccolo Scala (1955–56), and Glyndebourne (1956); was especially known for her portrayal of Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte, which she recorded twice; frequently sang with Toscanini's NBC Symphony broadcasts; among many recordings, lauded for performance of the contralto solos in Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde; also recorded American show tunes; retired (1965).

See also Women in World History.

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