Collier, Marie (1927-1971), an Australian singer, became a principal soprano at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in London, England, in 1956. Collier sang at Covent Garden until the year of her death. She won praise for her skill as an actress and her vibrant, emotionally charged voice. She gained particular acclaim for her performance in the title role in Tosca.
Collier was born on April 16, 1927, in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. The Australian conductor Joseph Post encouraged Collier as a singer through the National Theatre movement. She began her career in musical comedies and light operas. Collier appeared in The Consul with great success in 1953. Collier studied singing in Milan, Italy, in 1954, and then went to London. She also sang in San Francisco and New York City in the 1960’s. She died on Dec. 8, 1971.
