Margaret Juntwait is the new voice of the Metropolitan Opera, according to the Associated Press. She takes over as host of the company’s national radio program each Saturday – only the third regular announcer to hold that position since it began in 1931.
This is also the first season of programs since ChevronTexaco ended a sponsorship that dated to 1940. The Annenberg and Stabile Foundations donated $3.5 million each and the Met started a $150 million campaign to endow the broadcasts, AP reported.
The opening broadcast will be of Verdi’s Sicilian Vespers. The Met says the show has a potential audience of 11 million people.
Juntwait is a former lyric soprano and has been a classical music host on a New York radio station since 1991. She also has done voice work recording museum tours.
Milton Cross was the announcer from Christmas Day 1931 until his death in January of 1975, when Peter Allen took over. In 73 years, a fill-in host was used only twice, with Lloyd Moss on two shows in 1973, AP reported.
Juntwait Is Only Third Voice of the Met in 74 Years
Juntwait Is Only Third Voice of the Met in 74 Years
