Kaskas Lokot, famed contralto, dies

Kaskas Lokot had an illustrious 14-year career with the New York Metropolitan Opera in the 1930s and '40s, performing in 52 contralto and mezzo-soprano roles and as a guest artist with major orchestras.

In concert, her personality and voice made her one of America's favorite singers of the time. In the 1950s, she toured the country under the sponsorship of Columbia Artists, receiving rave reviews.

Kaskas Lokot joined the Eastman faculty in 1959 and chaired the voice department for three years in the 1960s. She was the judge of many vocal competitions, including Metropolitan Opera auditions and the Ford Foundation Competitions for Professional Artists. Upon her retirement in 1974, she was named professor emerita.

Kaskas Lokot is survived by a sister, a son, a daughter-in-law, a granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews. Her husband, Anthony J. Lokot, predeceased her in 1991.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lenten Season of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or to the American Heart Association.