Beverly Sills

Drawing from June 29, 1969

Beverly Sills Bio (IMDB)

"Bubbles"

The first time I met Ms. Sills was in late January 1969, my sophmore year at Boston University. I had most of the day free of classes so I decided to go to the Harvard Coop and look at their terrific collection of books and records.  I got there around 10:30. When I arrived at the record section I noticed a sign sayng that Beverly Sills would be there at 11:30 to autograph her new album. She was in Boston to sing one of her signature roles with the Boston Opera, "Lucia  di Lammermoor." This opera is famous for Lucia's "mad scene" in which her craziness is accompanied by a prominent flute solo. (It has been said that it's the flute that makes her go mad.) My flute teacher,  James Pappoutsakis (associate prncipal flute of the Boston Symphony and principal flute of the Boston Pops for almost 40 seasons) would be driving Lucia mad for these performances. Beverly arrived at 11:30 and I was first in line. (I was such a dork, probably still am).  I introduced myself as a student of Jimmy's. She then went on and on about how much she admires and loves his playing, his sound, his musicianship, etc. After some more chit chat I gave her the record to autograph. She wrote, " I hope you toot your flute with me someday." How I wish I had had that opportunity, but I did get to turn pages for a reciral she sang in Symphony Hall the following year. A few days after this I had my weekly lesson with Mr. P. As soon as I entered his studio he said to me, "What are you doing hanging around opera singers?" Didn't dawn on me what he was talking about. Mr. P related to me that before that evenings performance Beverly had mentioned our encounter at the Coop. Could not believe she would mention this considering she was about to go on stage and sing one of the most demanding role in opera. Great singer, wonderful person. With Beverly, what you see is what you get. Every arts organization and charity in the country wanted her on their Board because she could get money out of a rock. As a former Chair of the Board of the Metropolitan Opera told me, and he knew this from personal experience, "You  just can't resist her charm. She makes it very difficult to say no."

The sketch was done 5 months after my encounter with "Bubbles."