Good Evening, Veronica Tyler

The opening night of The Coronation of Poppea in 1961 saw the New York debut of Veronica Tyler, a soprano opera singer, a Black woman, and, later in her career, a teacher and guiding figure to young artists. 

Born on March 4, 1937, Veronica Tyler grew from a gifted young child to a master of her craft, becoming one of the first Black women to attend and graduate from the Peabody Institute, traveling in international shows and competitions, and achieving critical acclaim as an accomplished singer. From the spotlit stages of NYC, to the faraway theaters of Italy and Russia, to her home in Baltimore, Maryland, Tyler was a revered singer, a loving mother and grandmother, and a beloved educator. 

But perhaps her most significant success was staying true to herself, her ideals, and her values. Throughout her career as a singer and educator, Tyler prioritized giving back to her community, whether that be through educating, contributing to her local theatre, or creating space for other Black and minority singers in the industry. From the Peabody Institute to the stage to Morgan State University and the University of Florida, Veronica Tyler created the space for Black and minority singers to recognize their skill, develop their careers, and continue changing the world of Opera. 

Join us as we explore Veronica Tyler’s career and her commitment to the artistic community.