Rosa Ponzillo, known as Rosa Ponselle, and born on January 22, 1897, in Meriden, Connecticut, was an American operatic dramatic soprano. She began her career singing popular ballads and accompanying silent films. In 1915, she joined the vaudeville circuit with her sister Carmela as the Ponzillo Sisters. Three years later, Enrico Caruso arranged for Ponselle to audition at the Metropolitan Opera. She made her debut on November 15, 1918, as Leonora in La forza del destino. Her roles at the Met included Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana, Reiza in Oberon, and the lead soprano part in Norma. Ponselle also had a successful concert career. In 1929, she made her European debut at Covent Garden in London with roles in Norma and Gioconda. She continued to perform until her retirement from opera in 1937. Ponselle passed away on May 25, 1981.
