Above: Birgit Nilsson as Salome. She autographed this photo for me after a performance of TURANDOT at the New Met in 1966.
Birgit Nilsson sang Salome in a new production at the Old Met in 1965; she gave ten performances of the opera in New York City. Reportedly, Salome was the only role Nilsson herself ever requested to sing during her career; when Rudolf Bing offered her any role of her choosing, she chose Strauss's petulant princess, which she had first sung at Stockholm in 1954. Karl Böhm conducted the Met production; it was a huge success.
Birgit Nilsson performed the final scene of SALOME, again conducted by Dr. Böhm, at the 1972 gala honoring Sir Rudolf Bing on his retirement from The Met.
Birgit Nilsson - SALOME ~ final scene - Karl Böhm cond - Rudolf Bing Gala 1972