Inez Scott Lunsford Silberg, left, at the piano directing two students. Courtesy Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives. While Silberg herself had a short-lived performance career, it was as a teacher that she found fame. Silberg was in high demand as an adjudicator, clinician, panelist, and as a coach for opera singers at various opera companies in the United States and Europe. Her students carried her name with them as they appeared in more than 200 major opera houses, concert halls, and with symphonies across the United States, Canada, Europe, and around the world. Former students proudly boasted about her as their teacher and Inez and Max Silberg enjoying a nice day returned for study with her as often as their on the patio. Photograph by J. Don Cook. busy schedules would allow. Her students Inez Scott Lunsford Silberg traveled to New September 9, 1979. Courtesy Oklahoma include Met Opera soprano Leona York City to see former student and Opera star Historical Society. Mitchell, Met and New York City Opera Chris Merritt perform. Summer 1983. Courtesy baritone Stephen Dickson, Met Opera Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives. tenor Chris Merritt, mezzo soprano Sheila Inez Silberg was one of the few Smith and New York City Opera mezzo- Oklahomans that enjoyed an international soprano Gwendolyn Jones. She was also reputation in the teaching of voice. the coach for Miss America 1967, Jane She was instrumental in bringing opera Jayroe, and a number of other pageant productions to Oklahoma City and for contestants. Even today, Silberg’s legacy her contributions to the cultural life of lives on through her students like Larry Keller, the Southwest. Over the years she had a current OCU Associate Professor of Voice. different opportunities to leave OCU and was even sought after by a prestigious northern university which she seriously considered accepting. Silberg stated, “I thought very hard about it, but I’ve been sort of part of the growing up of OCU. My home is here.” Max and Inez Silberg, left, praise the performance of Oklahoma City University tenor Larry Keller who sang in “Placido Domingo”, 昀氀anked by his proud sister Lorrie Keller. May 15, 1984. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. 38