Beverly Sills, a native of Brooklyn, is acknowledged world-wide as one of the greatest coloratura sopranos of the 20th century, having performed with the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, La Scalla and in virtually every major city, in over 70 roles. Her talent and contributions have been honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center Honors, two Emmys and a Grammy, among many others. Sills has served on dozens of Boards; today she is chairman of Lincoln Arts Center for the Performing Arts and a member of the Board of the Metropolitan Opera.

NOTE: Bio is as it appeared in the Forum program from November 29, 2001.