It is with deepest sadness that The Harlem School of the Arts announces the passing of Ms. Betty Allen, The Harlem School of the Arts’ President Emeritus.

On Monday, June 22nd, Ms. Allen died peacefully at Westchester Medical Center with her family by her side. Considered “one of the most endearing and powerful voices of the century,” mezzo-soprano Betty Allen has been a guiding force at HSA since she became Executive Director upon the retirement of the school’s founder Dorothy Maynor, in 1979.

Born in Campbell, Ohio, Betty Allen made her operatic debut in 1954 as Queenie in Showboat. She made her New York recital debut at Town Hall in 1958. In 1964, she made her formal Opera debut at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed by countless appearances worldwide.

Beyond bringing joy to audiences of all ages with her beautiful voice, Ms. Allen has long been committed to nurturing young artists across all disciplines. In addition to her many years as a leader and master teacher with HSA, Ms. Allen has also taught at the North Carolina School of Arts, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Curtis institute of Music in Philadelphia. She also holds Honorary Doctorates from Wittenberg University, Union College, Adelphi University, Clark University in Massachusetts and the New School in New York City.

While HSA was born of the commitment and ideals of its founder, it was Betty Allen who strengthened the foundation of the vibrant and inspiring institution that it is today. We were honored to present Betty Allen with the inaugural Betty Allen Lifetime Achievement award at the Art is Life Gala on Monday, March 9, 2008 and to enjoy her presence at this year’s benefit.

HSA President & CEO Kakuna Kerina said: “The impact Betty Allen has made as an artist and arts educator is measured in the tens of thousands of lives she influenced in their youth. She was unique in that the standards she applied to herself were the same as the standards she expected of others, and we are better for it. We extend our condolences to Ms. Allen’s family and thank them for sharing her with a vast community of admirers throughout the world.”

A wake is being held at Benta’s Funeral Home (630 St. Nicholas Avenue at 141st Street, New York, NY 10030) on Tuesday, June 30th from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. Reception to follow at The Harlem School of the Arts, across the street at 645 St. Nicholas Avenue, from 8 p.m.- 10 p.m. A larger memorial service will be held in the fall; details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Ms. Allen's family has requested that donations be made to the Betty Allen Scholarship Fund at The Harlem School of the Arts.