Barbara Ford Kronholz

Barbara Ford Kronholz, who brought music to thousands as an operatic soprano, a professor of voice at Florida State University, and a mentor to young singers, joined the Heavenly Choir as ‘Soprano Extraordinaire’ on September 18, 2025 at the age of 79. She is remembered with love by her husband of 44 years, Ken, her daughter, Julia (Adam), two granddaughters, Camille and Corinne, her sisters Lurinda (Fred) and Janet (Doug), in-laws June (Gib) and Tom (Denise), and nieces and nephews Jonathon, Jeremy (Kristy), Peter, Kristina (Edson), Melissa (Tim), Thomas, Brandon (Sara), Stephen (Lacey), and David (Rebecca), and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin Ford and Margaret Chasey Ford.

Barbara was born on August 5, 1946, in Midland, Michigan, where she began her career singing in state vocal competitions. She attended Indiana University and transferred to the University of Michigan, where she eventually received Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance. After graduating from Michigan and concertizing, she joined the Florida State University voice faculty in 1972. Professionally, Barbara won acclaim as a recitalist in performances throughout the United States, Germany, Italy, and the former Soviet Union. She appeared as soprano soloist at the Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds, and played the roles of Musetta in La Boheme, Adele in Die Fledermaus, Olympia in the Tales of Hoffman, and Kate Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly. A highlight of her career was a performance at Carnegie Hall, of which The New York Times described Barbara as having a “tenderness of singing, with a pretty, light lyric voice, warm and concentrated in timbre.” She was also a frequent recitalist in the Florida and Georgia area.

As a professor, Barbara was beloved by faculty and students alike for her big smile and her outspoken professional encouragement. During her 38 years at FSU, she taught hundreds of voice students who went on to serve as music educators in public schools, universities and places of worship, and are performers, professional music association leaders, and singer/songwriters. She took emeritus status in 2011 and in her retirement continued to enjoy musical performances, dinner parties, reading, and spending time with her family, friends, and furry companions.

Socially, Barbara was a member of PEO, where she contributed as Vice President, and Chi Omega sorority. Her memberships in these organizations brought her great pride and fulfillment, and many wonderful friends. She will be remembered by all who love her for her winsome personality, sparkling smile, generosity of spirit, elegance, warmth, and resilience.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11am at First Presbyterian Church, Tallahassee, FL, or online at https://www.youtube.com/live/DIx-vNUsxV0. If Barbara has touched your life, please consider a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Big Bend Hospice, or the HighArt Foundation’s Barbara Ford Kronholz Scholarship Fund, a foundation and award established by Barbara’s former student, NaGuanda Nobles. Its aim is to continue the legacy of high musicianship for emerging artists: https://the-haf.org/highart-vocal-competition

Photo courtesy of the Warren D. Allen Music Library at Florida State University.