Rita Shane’s searing tone and ornaments fit a villainous queen

Handel: ATHALIA, My vengeance awakes me, 1973 High D THE SONGBIRD: Rita Shane (1936 - 2014) was an American dramatic coloratura from the Bronx. She sang primarily in the United States with many appearances at the New York City Opera (1965 debut as Donna Elvira) and eight seasons at The Met (1973 debut as Queen of the Night). She actually started there as a secretary with the Metropolitan National Council’s fundraising department in the 1960s. Shane made international guest appearances in many top classical opera cities and festivals. She studied with legendary teacher Beverley Peck Johnson. THE MUSIC: "Athalia" was Handel's third oratorio in English, completed and first performed in Oxford in 1733 as it was commissioned by Oxford University for a commemoration ceremony. It tells the biblical story of Athalia, the Queen of Judah and daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, a usurping and tyrannous monarch who has children murdered among other awful deeds! The villainous role allows Shane to use her power, bright tone, and fearless ornaments to great effect.