13 Facts About Geraldine Farrar

Alice Geraldine Farrar was an American lyric soprano who could sing dramatic roles.

Geraldine Farrar created a sensation at the Berlin Hofoper with her debut as Marguerite in Charles Gounod's Faust in 1901 and remained with the company for three years, during which time she continued her studies with famed German soprano Lilli Lehmann.

Geraldine Farrar appeared in the first Met performance of Giacomo Puccini's Madama Butterfly in 1907 and remained a member of the company until her retirement in 1922, singing 29 roles there in 672 performances.

Geraldine Farrar developed a great popular following, especially among New York's young female opera-goers, who were known as "Gerry-flappers".

Geraldine Farrar created the title roles in Pietro Mascagni's Amica, Puccini's Suor Angelica, Umberto Giordano's Madame Sans-Gene, as well as the Goosegirl in Engelbert Humperdinck's Konigskinder, for which Geraldine Farrar trained her own flock of geese.

Geraldine Farrar recorded extensively for the Victor Talking Machine Company and was often featured prominently in that firm's advertisements.

Geraldine Farrar appeared in silent films, which were produced between opera seasons.

In June 1931, Geraldine Farrar made her debut radio broadcast over the National Broadcasting Company's nationwide "Red" network.

In 1960, Geraldine Farrar was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in the music and film categories, located at 1620 and 1709 Vine Street.

Geraldine Farrar was a close friend to the Met's star tenor Enrico Caruso and there has been speculation that they too had a love affair.

Geraldine Farrar retired from opera in 1922 at the age of 40.

Geraldine Farrar quickly transitioned into concert recitals, and was signed to an appearance at Hershey Park on Memorial Day 1922.

In 1967, Geraldine Farrar died in Ridgefield, Connecticut of heart disease aged 85, and was buried in Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York.