Corinne Swall White

1927—2020

Corinne Swall White was a Marin County native who went on to become an opera singer who performed internationally.  After graduating from Tamalpais High School, she went on to earn degrees from San Francisco State and University of California, Berkeley.   Additionally, Swall White earned a scholarship that allowed her to attend The Julliard School. She graduated from the prestigious institution in 1948 where she sang as a coloratura soprano. Subsequently, she would sing as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony. Additionally, she performed in the Netherlands, Australia, and Canada.

As a teacher, Swall White taught voice as California State University, Chico, and was on the music faculty

at the University of California, Berkeley.  In the 1970s, she melded her love for music with her passion for history by founding the Mother Lode Musical Theater in Marin County.  She did much writing for and performing in the productions.  As part of the Mother Lode Musical Theater, she partnered with her friend Lanny Pinola to produce the Drake Pageant, a historical re-enactment of the Drake and Coast Miwok encounter.  Her knowledge of 16th century Elizabethan music was a critical part of fostering accuracy with the Drake Pageant. 

Swall White was honored with the distinction of director emeritus when she stepped down as a DNG director.

Image Courtesy of Ronnie White