Ida Porter was a soprano who could sing in English, German, French, and Italian; both classical and modern concert songs, cavatinas, and arias. In a program from one of her performances, she was described as “one of the recognized soloists of the West.” She was praised with high reviews for her singing and musical ability by many newspapers around the country during the time. The Bloomington Leader stated that called her voice always full, rich, round, and sweet. One of her brothers, Walter G. Porter, an attorney, was her manager during her singing career.
Around 1893, Ida began teaching voice lessons and was the manager of the Bloomington Conservatory of Music located at 311 North Main Street. There she taught voice culture and singing. One private 45 minute lesson with Ida would cost $12.45, which in today’s economy would be almost $254.
This collection includes publicity materials for Porter and the Bloomington Conservatory of Music; materials from her study trip to Paris in 1889/90; books and lesson notes on an array of topics, etc.
