The accomplished American mezzo writes a short note, which originally accompanied a gift, to thank longtime Metropolitan Opera coach Alberta Masiello.

The Italian-born singer and instructor Alberta Masiello (1915-1990) served as a vocal coach at the Metropolitan Opera for 21 years. Known in equal measure for her effective tutelage and wry sense of humor, she was deeply respected by the singers and conductors with whom she worked. Among these, to name only a few, were Franco Corelli, Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, and Paul Plishka.