Born: July 26, 1909 (Alton, Illinois)

Died: October 3, 1974 (Salamanca, New York)

Pauline Pierce, mezzo-soprano, built a career marked by competition wins, critically acclaimed performances in opera and oratorio, festival appearances, and recordings. Fluent across opera, symphonic concert work, radio, and festival stages, she earned recognition both from critics and audiences nationwide.

Ms. Pierce studied at MacMurray College and earned a fellowship to The Juilliard School where she performed the title role n Gluck's Orpheus in 1935. In 1937, she ‍was named a winner in the Walter W. Naumburg Competition, along with pianists Ida Krehm and Jorge Bolet and cellist Morris Bialkin. The four artists were chosen from a field of 123 applicants in the thirteenth competition conducted by the foundation.

In 1936, she made her Carnegie Hall debut singing the role of Frade in Il Dobik. Two years later she made her official city opera debut in New York. In 1941, she sang the role of Dorabella in Mozart's Cosi fan tutte with the New Opera Company. Orchestras she performed with included the Detroit Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic as well as the Russian Opera Company to much acclaim featured in Bach cantatas.

Ms. Pierce as a long-time favorite at Chautauqua Lake's summer opera seasons. She also sang with the Oratorio Society of New York and appeared regularly on major radio networks.

In July 1948 she was a featured artist in Bach's St. John Passion at the Berea Bach Festival, followed in 1950-1952 as a soloist at the Bach Festival of Winter Park.

‍