Lily Pons age 76- out of retirement for this Guest Appearance.

[@BellaFirenze]

I attended this concert. She was marvelous. Charming and exquisitely dressed as usual.

[@Michaelbos]

She went out a winner. Her image, her vocal reputation to the end. ❤️🍷

[@joshuamcpherson007]

😯 I am a singer, a veteran singer, and I have never heard anything like this from a singer approaching 80 years old. The core of the sound is still there, no hollow, grey or threadbare notes. The tones are beautiful, resonant and with many colors...like a gifted young singers voice would be. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Incredible.

[@writerdirect]

she was the greatest coloratura of all

[@glgree1]

Try this video! Just an Italian lady singing an Italian song. Not a star, just sings with her friends in a chorus! kzbin.info/www/bejne/emnEpK2Of7CVppo

[@jensguldalrasmussen6446]

Try also the 90 year old and still imposing Mark Reizen as Gremin at the Bolshoi: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYeQg2d8q6p4mJI Or the inimitable Magda Olivero at 96: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWepf3SMqJyhpq8&pp=ygUQbWFnZGEgb2xpdmVybyA5Ng%3D%3D

[@peterfarrar9015]

Peter Farrar:- Lily Pons Approaching 80yrs. Her vocal instrument is razor sharp & crystal clear with stainless quality & tremendous power at high 'c' was amazing. All leading sopranos will adhere to silence, in respecting her performance. The world will pay homage to this incomparable queen of classical music. Golden words of worship to a great soprano, by Peter E. Farrar. 0:53 2:52

[@agbramm5648]

Exceptional singing!! Ms Pons extraordinary tone and purity are to be envied by all singers. Many singers of today that are half her age sing with far less intensity and beauty of tone but are considered great singers. How sad we don’t have a Lily Pons like voice singing today.

[@Juliaflo]

Copy that.

[@rockyj74426]

My father didn't particularly care for opera but he'd listen to Mme. Pons anytime she was on the radio . . .

[@rubyedelman2445]

Out of this world! Just wonderful!!! Brava!!!

[@MarcENicholson]

Magnificent...and not "just" for her age, but for any age. She died at 77 one year after this concert....forever young, with those high notes and pianissimos still perfect. Congratulations to Lily Pons. One prays she was successful in managing her life as she obviously was in managing her voice.

[@LockportDan]

Glorious singing at any age!

[@sopranosd]

76 and she sounds like this? She is amazing -- that's technique, people! That's an artist!

[@alexusachev1]

Belcanto technique keeps your voice fresh and young

[@WelshHomo87]

The same went for Joan Sutherland

[@jayhartbarger2793]

@@WelshHomo87 please, love Joan but she was painful to listen to for yrs. before she retired.

[@ГанусСергій]

Performance of 1972. Accordingly, the opera diva was 74 years old. However, this does not change anything. The technique of execution is impeccable))

[@quequitoAR]

Exactly!!! That wonderful long gone technique...

[@grainneconroy2193]

Bravissima! I heard her singing Danny Boy shortly before she died. May her memory be a blessing and an inspiration 🙏.

[@ВеселаяМ]

Вот настоящие бриллианты профи!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 76 лет, и голос как у соловья!!!!!!

[@jackwhyte1]

This is simply spectacular - I don't care how old she was, when you have Lily Pons' perfect understanding of technique and your own vocal instrument, this is the result. But even more, listening and watching this, it confirms my suspicion regarding her earlier recordings. I never saw her, she died when I was 15, but I have a CD of her recordings in the 30's and 40's that i like. I was standing next to the speaker this morning and realized that due to the recording technique or conversion to CD most of the lower frequencies that must have been present in her voice were missing. I could hear what I imagined that voice would sound like in a room, and only through imagination reconstruct it. This recording, though imperfect, proves my imagination correct - what people are referring to as her singing better as she aged, more 'rounded,' is probably due to the inability of primitive recording methods to really record all the dynamics and resonances occurring with a voice this high and powerful. So thank you for posting, this is gorgeous, gorgeous singing, and moves me to tears.

[@Highinsight7]

one of my favorite singers... of all time!

[@stevenreeves9092]

Beautiful! Amazing! Such clarity and outstanding voice!

[@fourniturev]

a long gone era, beautiful, glamorous, glorious singing she still makes me weep I remember my Dad telling of hearing her in Europe when he was in the war.. "She was such a tiny little thing with a glorious voice"

[@giannizeno2879]

Words fail me. Very moving.

[@detoutderien953]

C’est vraiment très bon. Le timbre est quasiment intact, la technique et la diction admirables. A peine sent-on que c’est un peu plus lent, un peu plus mou, un poil plus vibré qu’au temps de sa splendeur... vraiment sidérant. Et je trouve qu’il se dégage de son chant une émotion que je ne lui connaissais pas.

[@pauloolivier3134]

Merci chere Lily!!!

[@lilypons13]

No coloratura today can transcend the inherent beauty of Lily Pons' voice. If there are angels, Lily is definitely one.

[@hayakou5]

驚きやら、感動やらで、言葉が出ない。 凄すぎる。 これほどの歌唱の人は、現代の若い最盛期のソプラノでも滅多にいないよ。 どれほどリリーポンスが偉大なのか、この動画で私は本当に心底よく分かった。🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀

[@karlheinzkirchmann6469]

Admirable. She sings as she ever did, technically perfect. And so do all great singers today. There are no "Old" or "New" technics. There are some more great singers who could sing in their higher ages. It's only a questiom of stabil sanity of the voice. Look f.i. to Placido Domingo

[@eddiebuenaventure3666]

Those high notes and pianissimi are astounding at this age and with almost no tremolo !

[@shirleyrombough8173]

We are too quick to stereotype people on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity, social class, among others. Let's respect Maestra Pons enough not to say, 'Oh, doesn't she sing well for a 70 year old?'

[@inkyguy]

Born in the 1890s, here in 1972 she was within 5 years of her death in 1976. Her voice is really miraculous.

[@tharold8639]

Have always adored Lily Pons. What a beautiful, magnificent artist. So happy to see this renowned later concert.

[@huinyung3622]

OMG...This is a 76 years old voice...still so natural, w/o any tension, placed subtly well, the round resonance, not pushing the voice cord, everything is just like a textbook...

[@operaloversabater3690]

What a voice, still, at 76!! Her singing Estrellita at 7:06 is absolutely beautiful. This treasure passed away two years after this performance.

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

I saw Victoria de los Angeles sing when she was 72, I think, and most of her voice was intact, but her artistry remained impeccable. She had some trouble with her passaggio, and there are a few tiny hints of that with Pons, a raspiness, but it is a difficulty for singers at any age.

[@YvetteArmani]

See?? A woman CAN sing well into her 70's!

[@markwatkins7175]

Good LORD, yes! What a beautiful, lyrical sound that would be a great credit to a singer of ANY age. This clip has been very uplifting to me. (I'm 58) :) I also understand she gave a lot of "Pink Parties", in which all the food was tinted pink, for the GIs during WWII - which is irrelevant to her superb singing, but reveals a fun-loving side of her personality.

[@quequitoAR]

A woman or a man with THAT KIND OF TECHNIQUE.

[@GeronteDiRavoir]

gracias por compartir esta joya de la lirica...cantar esos trinos y esos agudos a los 76 años es magico, y no solo que conserva los agudos, si no que su fiatto, o respiracion, esta intacta, yo pense que lo ultimo que haba hecho fue la lucia junto a domingo en los años 60, y despues se habia reirado, gracias Stuartlou

[@KarinWettig]

After I listened to the whole video, I have to admit that I cried feeling so touched by her voice and dramatic expression on stage. She seems to me more convincing than many youngsters now on stage. Her voice is authentic and full power, no sign of age. I bow in front of this woman and work on my arias again. That's an incredible role model for me.... Thank you for posting such treasures here. Karin

[@richardholmesmusic2128]

I was at this performance. I have to admit, I am not one of the big Pons fans, at least her work in the 40s and 50. But I was totally won over that night, in fact, I think that her singing is even rounder and lovelier here than in many of her earlier appearances. This concert was a miracle!

Lucky you!!!!!

[@rayd3106]

Thank you for writing this! How nice to read this.

[@artdanks]

Richard Holmes Music. I was just going to say the same thing! I think she sounded much better in her 70s than she did at the prime of her career!

[@larrywoods6318]

I couldn't agree with you more. Often times this happens to the greats. Take Sutherland, while early in her career her voice was great, I found I liked her voice even more as she aged.

[@inkyguy]

I'm very impressed. I'm really just discovering her after all of these years. The quality of her voice has really traveled well down to the present day. It is is pure and clear and has none of the affectations of so many older coloraturas.

[@jefgong]

Sublime, magique, bouleversant d'élégance et de maîtrise. Sans négliger de souligner la merveilleuse articulation dans les Filles de Cadix, dont on n'a jamais entendu les mots prononcés aussi clairement !

[@tibbett621]

what a voice.what a technique.what a singer....ageless.

[@samanthaeblack11]

Beautiful, just beautiful. She has been my favorite since the late 70's.

[@del19803]

Her voice is truly heaven sent. I can hardly believe she is 76 here. She was a favorite of my mom and she took me to hear her when I was a child. What a gift.

[@UncleLouie867]

Lily had "that sound" till the end. Loved her.

[@gayoperadude63]

this shows what knowing your voice and sticking to your repertoire can do to preserve the voice! Many singers quickly try to move to heavy repertoire before the foundation to sing the role is there, she knew her foundation was fragile and bell like and remained in that repertoire and made it work for her!

[@hellomrball]

absolutely right Scott.. The voice remained at its height (not height in pitch but height in position -above the palate) know your instrument, respect it and dedicate it to a cause or power bigger than yourself and it will stay til the end.

[@Juliaflo]

Scott Foreman I second that statement. (I just turned ??, and can still hit a high C, as well as several notes above).

[@WelshHomo87]

@@hellomrball Joan Sutherland was the same

[@charlesdavis7087]

She had one of the most beautiful voices every to grace this earth. And notice she sings without a microphone... and can still out sing an entire orchestra. Beyond remarkable. "Unique!" CVD

[@WelshHomo87]

Charles Davis Joan sutherland never sang with a microphone either

[@martinvasquez8417]

Charles Davis classical singers do not use microphones

[@rossinilove]

Many classical singers are miked depending on the venue.

[@angryjalapeno]

Opera singers in an opera house traditionally don't use amplifiers.

[@Ronizetti]

I’m afraid you can no longer say never - SHOULDN’T use mics, but I’m afraid that practice seen or cloaked DOES sadly happen

[@1079walter]

What an absolute treasure was Lily Pons! Magnificent!

[@raoufzdn]

A beautiful performance and a stunning technique. This is proof that the life of a sorpano's voice lies in the freedom of using the head (light) mechanism and never forcing. Thank you for this valuable and enchanting performance.

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

The voice has no mechanism. Likely, she practiced will with lots of exercises and vocalises, kept in shape physically, so she had lots of support, and didn't smoke or drink too much. Much like an instrumentalist, a singer needs a clear pitch production with a full range of overtones, which requires exact placement of vowels and full relaxation of everything not being used. Her capacity for purity of tone and projection is what you hear.

[@jimbuxton2187]

@@nonenoneonenonenone .... in study many call it " The Vocal Mechanism ".... some call it "The Vocal Instrument ".... the vocal instrument is the physical structure, and the Vocal mechanism is how it operates with the tissues and muscles which create the sound.

[@SIMKINYX]

00:00 Chère nuit (Adénis-Colombeau, set by Alfred Bachelet) 5:05 "Zdes horosho" by Sergei Rachmaninoff Op. 21 No. 7 7:05 Estrellita by Manuel Ponce 10:10 "Salut à la France," From La Fille du Régiment by Gaetano Donizetti 11:39 Les filles de Cadix by Delibes

[@yurorega1548]

Cantando Estrellita " a tono" a los 76....es un milagro. Con esa voz!!!

[@mhads671]

Beautiful super woman and super voice! I'm crying... Too beautiful performance!!!

[@Leanrosso]

Cantar asi de bien a los 76...wow...quien puede hacerlo? Creo que esta mas alla de toda critica. Lily Pons fue una gran cantante y eso se refleja en este video.... 100.000 gracias a StuartLou x compartir este recital maravilloso.

[@raoufzdn]

Heavenly and what an inspiration to us who love voice and spend our lives guiding and hopefully inspiring healthy free technique in our students. Compare this wonderful performance to Lily Pons' much earlier recording of Estrellita, also available on youtube. We are blessed by such beauty and excellence. Thank you beautiful Lily Pons.

[@donbosco9608]

Unbelievable - outstanding performance....a perfect vocal technique keeps the voice young and fresh - She shows it here.... !!!!

[@gmmix]

Absolutely astounding. In this fare, her voice sounds as fresh as it did when I saw her at Reading's former grand theatre, the Rajah, in 1955. Thank you for this enlightening video. Added to my list of favorites.

[@JuanyLidiaCorrea]

Thank you. What a wonderful recording and what a magnificent voice. It is a shame that so few people now remember one of the greatest coloratura sopranos of all times. And to think that she would die the next year and her voice was as beautiful as ever.

[@margaritagandia1124]

Increíble una genia desde siempre, con 76 años ahora!!

[@FRANKHODGES39]

There very first exposure to opera was to Lily Pons' voice in a TV movie in the 50's-Imagine my luck! I never thought that a voice could sound like that and I became hook on opera. Thanks to you for posting and Lily for giving us her many gifts.

[@AliciaElcira]

Gracias por compartirlo.

[@williamspeakmancherry4435]

Miss Pons was a true worldwide star. As a child, I remember listening to her when she was the guest on a Sunday evening radio program, "The Voice of Firestone."

[@otvoske]

Fantasztikus tanítani kellene az egyszerű, gyönyörű előadását.

[@photo161]

Years ago I heard a private recording of Ms. Pons singing at her own 70th birthday party. The singing was exquisite, timeless, a true legend...

[@MrStpendouslvforjo]

Excellent - this was a joy to watch! Singers of her generation really knew what they were doing!

[@WelshHomo87]

They certainly did. They don't anymore

[@tombeckett8760]

I was extremely moved by this. Thank you. She is fragile, beautiful, emotional, and wise. Brava Lily.

[@MehlindaHeartt]

so inspiring to hear any singer singing as they age.

[@voicemad]

So wonderful. I can hardly believe what I've heard. Gorgeous Lily !

[@antoniomaiello8778]

Le grandi voci anche a 76 anni fanno onore all'opera lirica.

[@ian.marais1202]

This is talent!!! At 76 .wow. Just shows what musicality and geniality it takes to sing opera. To choose the right roles for the voice. When to know to say no for a role. Having a perfect technique. She takes my breath away. Brava Lily.

[@СветланаКоломыйченко-ц1ж]

За Рахманинова огромное спасибо!!! Какой хрустальный голос!!!

[@JoanLorraineN]

My Mother always told me that she saw the great Lily Pons in Coq D'or the week after Fiorella La Guardia closed "strip" parlors in NYC. And my very prudish mother always thought all those guys could have gone to the Met to see Lily - as she was simply captivating - and a lot more enticing than anything they had ever seen before! Ah the olden days!

[@richardcaha7205]

Einfach großartig! Vielleicht sehen meine Eltern grosseltern und Schwestern oben beim lieben Gott! Ich glaube fest daran! Richard jahrgang 1960🙏

[@dawnadriennetaylor970]

It's exquisitely beautiful and an inspiration to any singer. To add to the comments, I'd say undoubtedly a lack of trauma, therefore good health and old school training helps this remarkable longevity of vocal skill. Thank you for posting this remarkable and moving performance. of a beloved soprano.

[@Bzcenci812]

My father’s favourite singer!

[@operabilia]

Thanks so much. And I assume that you agree with me that hers was a true lesson in style and class! And French elegance at its very best.

[@WolfDogdemongirl]

WoW! Her voice is incredible! Especially for being 76 yrs old! Truly magnificent.

[@caninbar]

Beautiful...A true artist...Hard to believe she's 76!!!!

[@ViolinStimme]

Wonderful singing - nothing lost, only gained!

[@lucasseoane9170]

Magnífica voz, timbre, repertorio vocal....a sus 76 años... Siempre fue increible Lily!

[@patsyspry6248]

Lily Pons was the first Opera singer I heard as a child……… I FELL IN LOVE WITH OPERA AFTER HEARING HER……… THEN NOT LONG AFTER, MARIO LANZA IN, “THE GREAT CARUSO……… OH MAN……… I WAS HOOKED!💓💓

[@eiclanlan2854]

I was ,in a past life was a theatre worker back stage and this voice to me is just magnificent,control, technique,measured breath control and singing within her own constraints and I have heard a few voices in my time and this moves me.

[@GloriaJanvier]

Thank you, StuartLou. Gorgeous. Some of us non-opera goers out here still "get it". She has ineffable charm, and her singing touches the heart....thanks again!

[@albertstrickland2689]

I saw her in person in 1948 when she performed at the George Washington hotel auditorium.. Jacksonville, Fl was such a backward town back then. I remember her entering wearing a scalloped fur coats her face covered in black lace. When the curtain opened she wore a black and pink satin gown with the largest jewel necklace I had ever seen. She was accompanied by a pianist and a flute. You forgot everything except her vocal talent... she was astounding. after an aria people stood and cheered and screamed bravo. How she is compared with Callas is an insult. Oh but this kind of music is like the movie "gone with the wind" it only lives in our memory and on records.

[@CallasCarey]

Why an insult? Why bring Callas here? Both were amazing artists. What's with the hate on Callas? Please stop it.

[@MrFalconford]

a testament to perseverance thank you lp I will always remember you

[@peterdevita6308]

Is she singing, perhaps, something from Charpentier during her program? Lily was from another Century. However, I have come to know this wonderful coloratura soprano who here astounds with her ravishing voice at 76. There is so much beauty and passion to her singing that one just marvels at this very late performance in life! The last 2 segments are "Salut a' la France" from Gaetano Donizetti's "La Fille du Régiment" and "Les Filles de Cadiz". SHE IS PHENOMENA, the divine Miss Pons! May 12, 2024

[@ledylanclair]

At 6:08 you are reminded what pure emotion feels, and sounds like. Astounding.

[@ransomcoates546]

As always, the higher she goes the better she sounds!

[@carlajpatterson]

What an inspiration! I always loved her voice but it's wonderful to see that she was able to maintain it to such a ripe old age. Leontyne Price was like that - I saw her in her farewell concert at SF Opera (singing Aida), and although I was in the 4th row, I still believed she was a young girl who would never see home again. Some singers have the gift of transforming themselves into whomever they are playing no matter what their age or whatever else is different from the character. Chills. ;)

[@katherinewilson1853]

Gosh, I just discovered Leontyne Price. My heavens, what a voice!

[@donconhar]

This performance is quite amazing! Thank you for posting it. You can hear the joy and love for her art. Quite amazing.

[@bonnies1234567]

She is stunning--she has always been my favorite coloratura in quality and appearance. Most delightful. She maintains a discipline.

[@juliavera1245]

There's nothing better than this 😭😭 Crying out loud right now as I hear this piece of pure gold 👏 👏

[@acitipo]

Cantar ASI A LOS 76 AÑOS!!!!!!! Increible!!!!!! ASI SON LOS CANTANTES INMORTALES!!!!!! Aquellos que nacieron con dones del cielo!!!! No por algo fue una gran soprano, de las mejores de la historia.

[@stuartliff]

Quite wonderfull. I was never a special admirer of Pons but this video is totally charming and would be remakable from someone half her age. They really do not make singers like this today. Thank you enormously for posting this which has given great pleasure and was truly revelatory. Vivian

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

According to my mother, she was the inspiration for "Glitter and be Gay" by Bernstein.

[@baltoman24]

Simply astounding- thank you for posting this souvenir of this great artist. Pons was always completely dedicated to her art; and she always said that she never sang anything outside of the roles for which she was suited. An amazing artist.

[@lilypons13]

Thank you for The Philharmonic concert with Lily. There has been some nasty comments about her artistry. She had an immediate recognizable voice, and despite the mean comments I love her.

[@Dianaemanuel]

It's extraordinary how good Pons' voice is at 76. It certainly makes one wonder all the more about why someone like Callas had such vocal difficulties in her 40s.

[@Martinowor]

A completely different repertoire, different priorities, different life.

[@gnativerson]

this is one of the most moving things I've ever heard or seen !!!

[@Bijoushow]

Wow! I refuse to believe she's 76 here! Thanks for posting this.

[@rachelberrythegleequeen.3221]

Oh my God, 76 and she still sounds absolutely glorious and angelic, I love it.

[@FISTRIG]

I HAVE LOVED HER MY WHOLE LIFE !

[@FISTRIG]

RAY WATSON SHE WAS HIGHLY PISSED AT THE CLOSING OF THE OLD MET, WHEN SHE WAS NOT ASKED TO SING AT THE GALA. THAT WAS ABOUT 1960-1964. "THE VOICE," SHE SAID "IS STILL THERE !" THIS PROVES THAT EVEN A DOZEN YEARS OR MORE AFTER THAT, THE VOICE WAS STILL THERE !!!!!!!!

[@georgependill3541]

+RAY WATSON She should have been pissed. How many old opera singers have sung at the Met for many other special occasions ... and sounded terrible. But they were there because of their contributions. How about her contributions?

[@FISTRIG]

30 YEARS AT THE MET. QUITE A CONTRIBUTION. SHE SOLD A LOT OF TICKETS !

[@jimbuxton2187]

@@FISTRIG ...35 years at the Met I believe....

[@MyTimeOutt]

Clearly the result of a life time of discipline & love of the art & development of skills & technique to support that love. You cannot just shrug your way though this amazing music.

[@uchibauki2515]

How could her voice still amazing 😉 !

[@leonoradelagardie]

Amazing! Obviously in good shape and handling sustained notes and legatos in a stunning way.

[@diogomonteiro5067]

A performance de Chère nuit é de uma delicadeza que não existe mais. Belíssimo! Bravo tb ao maestro e à orquestra.

[@TheCarnivalguy]

Pons was arguably the greatest coloratura soprano of the 20th century. She was a mainstay at the Met for decades, notably the 1930s/40s. Her recording of “Una Voce Poco Fa” is a favorite and shows off her amazing coloratura very nicely (her rendition is available here on YT).

[@caukie222]

OMG!! 76??? I know singers 15 years younger who are not as good. That was incredible. Absolutement incroyable!! Brava!

[@archie8788]

What about singers in their 30s who are not so good...

[@9doves]

What a remarkable feat! Inspirational.

[@jmj4879]

Elle doit enchanter le Bon Dieu et les Anges au Paradis! Merci pour cet enregistrement!Je possède d'elle un 78 tours extraordinaire, l'air des clochettes de Lakmé.Voix exceptionnelle!

[@TheJmcduff50]

One of an iconic few that can truly be called a GRAND DIVA of the OPERA! Many divas; but a Grand Diva weathers the test of time~!

[@wbondar]

AWESOME at age 76, not many could do this, you go Lily....