Welcome to the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
Homage to Beverly Sills: An Opera Star Made in America
The “Brooklyn-born soprano with the charming smile and the clean, silvery coloratura” was a marvelous performer, businesswoman, and ambassador of opera. Join the library’s music specialist, Mark Rustman, for a multimedia presentation celebrating the life and accomplishments of this great lady.
Birgit Nilsson: This “Fat Lady” had a voice that could split diamonds
This Swedish soprano was one of the 20th century’s most beloved and exciting opera stars. Join Mark Rustman, the library’s music specialist for a multimedia program about the incredible Wagnerian soprano, Birgit Nilsson.
Maria Callas: The Divine One
This fiery soprano was not only the twentieth century’s most famous diva, but also one of the most infamous personalities of that era. Her controversial affair with Aristotle Onassis made her a household name. However, Callas will be remembered not for such mundane intrigues. Instead, her incomparable artistry, musicianship, and fascinating voice will remain forever part of legend in the world of opera. Join Mark Rustman, the library’s music specialist, for a multimedia presentation, featuring the magnificent Maria Callas who Italians worshiped as “La Divina”.
Renata Tebaldi: The Most Beautiful Voice in Opera
Rudolf Bing said she had “dimples of iron”. Toscanini said she had the “voice of an angel”. Join Mark Rustman, the library’s music specialist, in a multimedia program about the soprano who had the most beautiful voice of the 20th century.
Bio:
Mark Rustman has been the library’s musical specialist for 25 years. He has a PhD. in Music History and plays principal oboe with the Topeka Symphony. He also taught adjunct courses on music appreciation, early music, Broadway musicals, and movie music at KU & Washburn University. Recently, Mark presented 3 programs for Tosca, Topeka opera’s club. He’s an avid tennis fan and used to play a little too. Mark can’t decide what’s more important to him—opera or tennis!
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