Patrice Munsel

Patrice Munsel, the Spokane-born opera singer who dazzled audiences around the world, had died at the age of 91 in New York, family sources confirm.

Section:Gallery

Tue., Aug. 9, 2016

Patrice Munsel.

Courtesy Of Nicole Schuler
In this June 13, 1943, photo, Patrice Munsel is congratulated by Edward Johnson, winning audition. Patrice becomes a member of “Met.” This was one of the biggest moments in the life of 17-year-old Patrice Munsel as Edward Johnson, general manager of the Metropolitan Opera company, presented her with a contract to sing with his company. One of two winners in the recent auditions of the air, Miss Munsel is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. A. J. Munsel of Spokane.

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Patrice Munsel in an Aug. 26, 1943, photo.

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Miss Patrice Munsel, the 18-year-old Spokane coloratura soprano who won a contract with the Metropolitan Opera company, “brought down the house” at the armory last night, June 18, 1943, when she presented a special concert for service men, their guests and the lucky civilians who were able to crowd in. This picture taken by a photographer from the Second bomber command at Fort George Wright, shows Miss Munself flanked by two military policemen as warren Officer Gilbert N. Burns points to the leather-covered scrapbook which was presented to the talented singer by the Athletic Round Table. The military policemen, who stood at strict attention near the stage all during the concert, are Privatre Stanley F. Rentschler, left, and Private Garland N. Fitzgerald.

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In recognition of her musical achievements and her devotion to her country and the armed forces, Colonel William G. Schauffler Jr., commanding officer of Geiger field, yesterday made Miss Patrice Munsel honorary base commander of the field, June 25, 1943. Miss Munsel holds the engrossed scroll commissioning her as honorary base commander as she is saluted by Colonel Schauffler. Miss Munsel, coloratura soprano of the Metropolitan Opera, recently sang for service men in a concert at the state armory.

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New York winners of met auditions. Patrice Munsel, 17, of Spokane, and Christine Johnson (center), Hopkinsville, Ky., receive Metropolitan Opera contracts from the opera general manager, Edward Johnson, in 1943 after they were announced as first place winners in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions of the air. Miss Munsel is a coloratura soprano; Miss Johnson a contralto.

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Opera contract winners with leading tenors of Metropolitan opera Left to right: Christine Johnson, Giovanni Martinelli, Patrice Munsel and Lauritz Melchior, at Savoy Plaza banquet on June 3, 1943. Association with these great Metropolitan artists will become routine for the neophytes when they assume their Metropolitan contracts next fall, won in the recent annual auditions of the air.

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The line ran around the block at the Fox Theater in 1943 to see Patrice Munsel in her first concert in her hometown. Munsel was a coloratura soprano with the Metropolitan Opera and returned to Spokane for a benefit concert for the American Red Cross.

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Dec. 6, 1945 photo of Patrice Munsel and Bing Crosby.

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Spokane’s Metropolitan opera star, Patrice Munsel, strikes a wistful pose with her Irish setter, “Corky,” on Aug. 29, 1946.

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Baby Coloratura, Patrice Munsel, of the Met. Dec. 13, 1949 photo.

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Patrice Munsel as Nellie Melba, opera star of yester-year in this June 29, 1953 photo.

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Sept. 9, 1959 photo of Patrice Munsel.

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Patrice Munsel in an Oct. 22, 1959 photo.

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Patrice Munsel poses with Ewen C. Dingwall, general director of Century 21, at the New York luncheon on Oct. 24, 1960. The luncheon was given by Senator Warren Magnuson. Presidents of national television companies attended the event, which publicized the 1962 world' fair, which is to be held in Seattle.

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Sept. 26, 1964 photo of Patrice Munsel.

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In this May 18, 1966, photo, Patrice Munsel, Spokane’s famous coloratura opera, motion picture, concert and television star, is planning another “debut.” It will be her first appearance with the St. Louis (Mo) Municipal Opera Company this summer. She will star as Lilli Vanessi, the fiery actress who plays Katherine in Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” in this play within a musical. Miss Munsel made her debut at the age of 18 in 1943 at the Metropolitan Opera. Her European debut was in the Copenhagen Opera.

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Opera star sings for Gonzaga University graduates. Patrice Munsel is accompanied by the Gonzaga choir Dr. Willam H. Barber, dean of education, left, on May 27, 1968.

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Smaller cooking quarters, but still spacious, are those in Patrice Munsel’s motorhome, which is taking her on a theatrical tour to about 110 cities all over the U.S until next May. The motorhome has most of the main comforts of home, including kitchen, bath, shower and dining facilities. This photo was taken on Nov. 14, 1972.

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Spokane-born opera soprano Patrice Munsel was briefly reunited with a former grade school teacher, Minnie Ulrich, during a layover at Spokane International Airport on a flight from Seattle on April 3, 1974. Miss Munsel has corresponded with her former teacher for several years.

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