Bowen, Dorothy (ca. 1900-1980) | University of Illinois Archives

Name: Bowen, Dorothy (ca. 1900-1980)

Historical Note: Dorothy Bowen (ca. 1900-1980) studied vocal performance at Chicago Musical College in 1922. In 1926, Signor Adolfo Rovida invited Bowen to Milan to give a recital and to sing the role of Mimi in Puccini's La Boheme. She appeared alongside soprano Roma Lee in a series of duet concerts in 1928. Throughout her early career she appeared in several major operatic roles including the title role of Ruth in George Schumann's oratorio Ruth at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, as well as appearances at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, and La Scala in Milan. In 1932, she attended Columbia University in New York where she received a masters degree. In 1934 she joined the School of Music at the University of Illinois as an professor of voice. She worked with the University until 1964 when she retired.

Sources: Dorothy Bowen Materials in 35/3/8, Box 1, Folder 1-3

Note Author: Nolan Vallier