Flo - by Stanley Romanstein (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Florence Kopleff: From Bronx Secretary to Classical Music Superstar of the Mid-20th Century.

Delve into the extraordinary life of Florence Kopleff, an unassuming secretary from the Bronx who rose to become one of America's most sought-after classical singers in the mid-20th century. This book, Flo: Remembering Florence Kopleff, meticulously chronicles Kopleff's meteoric rise to fame, despite her modest beginnings and limited formal musical training.

Kopleff's voice resonated across concert halls, captivating audiences and leading conductors alike. She performed and recorded with the era's most esteemed ensembles, under the batons of maestros such as Maurice Abravanel, Leonard Bernstein, Jean Martinon, Charles Munch, Eugene Ormandy, Fritz Reiner, Robert Shaw, and George Szell.

This book is not just a biography but a vivid portrayal of the classical music scene in New York City and Atlanta from the 1940s to the 70s. It was a period marked by war, McCarthyism, and the Jim Crow South, yet it was also a time of artistic flourishing and transformation.

Flo: Remembering Florence Kopleff is a result of extensive research, including primary documents, archival material, and first-person interviews. It provides an intimate look into Kopleff's life, her struggles, and her triumphs, revealing how she became a classical music superstar.

Beyond her performance career, Kopleff also had a profound impact on the academic world. For three decades, she shared her knowledge and passion for music with students at Georgia State University's School of Music, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire.

This book is a must-read for those interested in the evolution of Atlanta's arts scene during the 60s, 70s, and 80s, and for those who wish to understand the transformative circle of artists surrounding Robert Shaw. It is a tribute to Kopleff's remarkable journey, a testament to her talent, and a celebration of her contribution to the world of classical music.