In Loving Memory of

Priscilla Marshall
Mezzo-Soprano

1938-2020

Priscilla B. Marshall was born on August 13, 1938 in Annapolis, Maryland, and she grew up in Ithaca, New York. After graduating from Eastman School of Music where she earned a bachelor degree in voice and oratorio, she spent two years in Khartoum, Sudan, where her father, Dr. Kenneth C. Beeson, an agronomist, was stationed through the US AID program. While there, she taught music at the American School. She returned to the States and attended New York University, majoring in music education. She moved to Atlanta, GA where she worked for the William Morris Agency during the day and performed evening at the Wits End owned by Phil and Nancy Erickson. Phil started his career show business with Dick van Dyke.

Following an audition with James Levine, then the music director at the Metropolitan Opera, Maestro Levine commented that Priscilla's voice was "very likely the finest vocal instrument of our generation". Her range, precision, and vocal control inspired music teachers and vocal professionals globally.

Priscilla lived in Bethesda, Maryland; Charlottesville, Virginia; and Omaha, Nebraska before moving to Phoenix in 1972 where she was known for over 30 years for her beautiful mezzo-soprano voice through performances with Cassilons, Bach and Madrigal Society, the Phoenix Symphony, served as the mezzo-soprano soloist for the famous Phoenix First Christian Church Choir, and several other ensembles throughout Arizona. She toured around the world singing in choirs and as a soloist in more than 20 countries. She was also an avid horsewoman. Our thanks to her children, John K. Marshall and Rebecca D. Moreland, for assisting us in making this commemoration possible, and our thankful appreciation of musical director, Arlyn Brewster who preserved the cassette tapes, and to Dr. Steven Dietz who provided assistance in restoring them.
 

Music Performed

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