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Born: June 6, 1933 - Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA
Died: April 26, 2014 - New York City, New York, USA |
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The American soprano and voice teacher, Lynn Rasmussen Owen, was born to Robert and Lillian Rasmussen of Kenosha, Wisconsin. She received her early training at Northwestern University. She entered Juilliard School of Music in New York in 1953 as a student in the class of Marion Szekely -Freschl. She was been awarded the Bachelor and Master of Science degrees, continued as a Special Student at the School and graduated with honors. She also studied at the Vienna Academie.
While at Tanglewood, Lynn Rasmussen met the love of her life, Judge Richard Owen (1922-2015), at that time a young lawyer and budding composer. They married in 1960 and had three sons, Carl (1965–1988), David and Richard. She sang the leading role in many of her husband's operas. She sang over 50 leading soprano roles in major opera houses in North and South America and Europe, including the Metropolitan in New York, Vienna and Bellas Artes, under the baton of James Conlon, Julius Rudell and Christopher Keene, among others. She also was on the voice faculty of the Manhattan School of Music, Barnard and Columbia University and left a significant legacy to hundreds of young singers who have gone on to musical careers.
Lynn Rasmussen died peacefully on April 26, 2014 in New York City, ages 80, after suffering for some time with Alzheimer's. She was survived by her husband, two sons and five grandsons all of whom share her passion for music. Those interested in honoring Lynn's teaching legacy may wish to consider making a contribution to the Carl Owen Scholarship at the preparatory division of the Manhattan School of Music. |
