Born: Dallas, Texas

Died: June 29, 2005

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Angelene Collins (Rasmussen), soprano, was born in Texas but spent most of her childhood in Oklahoma. She studied the viola throughout her childhood and started voice lessons as a senior in high school. She received a scholarship to study music at Oklahoma College for Women, graduating with her bachelor of music degree in voice in 1943. Following, she attended the Juilliard School of Music on a fellowship where she studied with Francis Rogers and graduated with a master of music degree. In 1950, she was named a winner in the Naumburg competition and toured with Lauritz Melchior.

Ms. Collins was represented by the National Music League, which booked her in recitals and concert appearances throughout the United States. She sang the 1955 premiere of Lois Albright's opera "Hopitu", based on Hopi chants presented in Carnegie Hall. She also was a judge for the Metropolitan Opera auditions.

Angelene Collins was married to Lawrence Rasmussen, head of the music department at Aldelphi University.

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Excerpt from The New York Times, October 25, 1950

Angelene Collins in Recital Debut

"She proved worthy of the foundation's encouragement. She has a naturally fine soprano voice, which has been well trained. She has a fine presence. And she is endowed with the gifts of sympathy and intelligence.

Yesterday the audience took her to its heart and showered her with flowers. ... she has lovely soft tones and she knows how to shade them caressingly. Also her voice retains its quality even when she sings swiftly and lightly, as she showed in Chabrier's "Les Cigales" and Schumann''s "Die Meerfee."" R.P.

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