Cecil Arden American opera singer, contralto and mezzo-soprano Date of Birth: 15.12.1894 Country: USA

Biography of Cecile Arden

Cecile Alexia Hart, known professionally as Cecile Arden, was an American operatic mezzo-soprano and contralto. She was born on December 15, 1894, in New York City to Benjamin and Mildred Hart. Her father was a real estate broker from Charleston, South Carolina, while her mother was originally from Springfield, Illinois.

Not much is known about Arden's early life, except that she studied vocal music with Italian composer and vocal coach, Arturo Buzzi-Peccia. There are also photographs of her performing at a patriotic event on the steps of Federal Hall in New York City during World War I, possibly after she joined the Metropolitan Opera.

In October 1917, Arden was listed as one of the performers for the 'Friday Morning Musicals' at the New York Biltmore Hotel from November 1917 to January 1918. Her professional debut at the Metropolitan Opera took place on January 12, 1918. She sang the role of La Vanard in the American premiere of Pietro Mascagni's opera 'Lodoletta' alongside Geraldine Farrar and Enrico Caruso. Arden remained with the Metropolitan Opera for eight seasons, mainly performing supporting roles. She then dedicated the rest of her career to concert tours in America and Europe.

Unfortunately, the Great Depression made these ventures financially risky, and Arden's career came to an end. During the war years, she lived in New York City with her mother. She later married an Italian man named Ardito Tivoli and moved to Rome, where she resided for 15 years. After her husband's death in the late 1960s, she returned to the United States and settled first in Wisconsin, then in Seattle, Washington.

Cecile Arden passed away on September 4, 1989, most likely in Seattle.