Camilla Ella Williams was an American operatic soprano who performed nationally and internationally. After studying with renowned teachers in New York City, she was the first African American to receive a regular contract with a major American opera company, the New York City Opera. She had earlier won honors in vocal competitions and the Marian Anderson Fellowship in 1943–44.
Camilla Williams, photo taken by Carl Van Vechten, 1946.
The New York City Opera (NYCO) is an American opera company located in Manhattan in New York City. The company has been active from 1943 through its 2013 bankruptcy, and again since 2016 when it was revived.
Jazz at Lincoln Center, home of New York City Opera 2016–present
The New York State Theater auditorium as seen from the stage (now the David H. Koch Theater)
Beverly Sills in 1956, photo by Carl Van Vechten
Promenade of the David H. Koch Theater