Elizabeth Jane (Schwering) Berberian

86, also known as “Betty Jane”, of Providence, passed away on Thursday November 7, 2024 at home with her family by her side. She had a successful and fulfilling professional career as a noted soprano. She lived in Providence for many years and performed with many ensembles and was also an active and committed member of the Chopin Club.

In 1963, she married Jon Berberian, a well-known tenor who has shared in her musical life with joint appearances at the New York City Opera and elsewhere. Mr. Berberian owned and operated the historic Columbus Theatre in Providence since 1962. She took great pride in her twin sons Karl and John. She also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Lillian Klanian and Stephanie Berberian, as well as her brother-in-law, Hapet Berberian, and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was recently interviewed in her large, historic home in Providence, brimming over with musical mementos, photographs and drawings (mostly by her son John). Born at Forte Meade, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Colonel Karl W. and Rebecca J (Shupp) Schwering, she described herself amusingly as an “Army brat”, recalling a childhood as a travelogue. Her father was in the military, so the family moved regularly, even spending a 2-year period in Panama. She remembered her father lovingly as having been a great influence in her life, being a very fine singer as well as a professional military man. A graduate of West Point, he retired as full Colonel, after which he enrolled in the Harvard Business School.

Betty Jane began singing as a youngster, along with studies in piano and violin. Her strong interest in singing developed when she entered St. Margaret’s School in Waterbury, CT at the age of fourteen. While there, she was invited to perform with the Waterbury Symphony. Upon graduation, she won a scholarship to The Juilliard School where she spent five years and then furthered her studies with Eleanor McLellan in New York City. She spoke fondly of her teacher, colloquially known as “Miss Mac”, recounting tales of running into Placido Domingo, Eileen Farrell, Roberta Peters and other famous singers at the Ansonia Hotel/where she had her music studio. This was the teacher who exercised a great influence on her development of a career in voice.

In March of 1963, she was chosen to sing, with Julius Rudel conducting, at the White House before President John F. Kennedy and guest King Hassan II of Morocco, while she was a member of the New York City Opera. Her first professional opera performance was in the role of Rosalinda in “Fledermaus”, following the world premiere of “The Crucible”. Many other performances followed, including roles in light opera and summer stock. It was at this time in her life, after marriage and a move to Boston, when she won two prominent awards: the Metropolitan Opera Regional Auditions and, later in Providence, the New England National Federation of Music Clubs.

After moving to Providence, Betty Jane appeared with the New England Opera Company in Boston as Marguerite in “Faust” and as Mimi in “La Boheme” with the R.I. Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as soprano soloist in Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony, among others. She enjoyed all aspects of singing. In addition to opera, oratorios and recitals formed a large part of her wide repertoire, with appearances as soprano soloist with the Concord Community Chorus, at the Old South Church in Boston, and the Brahms “Requiem” at Brown University. A highlight was a recording of a live concert of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” with the Norfolk (VA) Symphony.

In 1983, she became one of the first faculty members in the voice department at Providence College until her retirement in 2003. She also took great pleasure in being a soloist and member of St. Stephen’s Church in Providence.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church, 70 Jefferson St., Providence, RI 02908 or Continuum Care of RI, 1350 Division Rd. – Suite 205, West Warwick, RI 02893.