Evelyn Mandac: The Filipina Soprano Who Broke Glass Ceilings

Considered a Living Legend by many Filipinos, Evelyn Mandac was the first, and still is the only, Filipina to sing major roles at the Metropolitan Opera. Moreover, she broke the glass ceiling by performing not only leading roles in standard repertoire but also in operas by significant 20th century composers. Of these twenty-eight principal roles, five were American premieres and two World premieres. The latter were inspired by and written for her voice and dramatic prowess. She has performed at major companies worldwide, in various prestigious music festivals, under famous conductors, and with prominent opera singers during her illustrious career. She also made her TV debut appearance in the first opera adaptation made for the National Education Television. A young Filipina with little opera experience, she managed to break invisible barriers in the opera world in the late 1960s and beyond. Through personal interviews, her artist files from various opera houses, extensive research of r