Mikael Eliasen is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of opera and vocal music. Born in Denmark in 1958, Eliasen showed an early interest in music and began studying piano at the age of six. He later went on to study at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in piano performance. After completing his studies, Eliasen began his career as a pianist, performing extensively throughout Europe and the United States. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled accompanist and collaborative pianist, working with some of the world's most renowned vocalists and instrumentalists. In 1984, Eliasen was appointed as a vocal coach at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he began to focus more on opera and vocal music. He quickly became one of the school's most respected faculty members, known for his exceptional teaching skills and his ability to bring out the best in his students. Over the years, Eliasen has worked with some of the most talented young singers in the world, helping them to develop their vocal technique, stage presence, and interpretation skills. Many of his students have gone on to have successful careers in opera and vocal music, performing at some of the world's most prestigious venues and festivals. In addition to his work as a teacher, Eliasen has also made a name for himself as a conductor and artistic director. He has served as the artistic director of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, the Wolf Trap Opera Company, and the Ravinia Festival's Steans Music Institute, among others. Throughout his career, Eliasen has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 2000, he was awarded the Richard F. Gold Career Award for Outstanding Accompanist by the Music Teachers National Association. He has also been recognized by the National Opera Association, the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and the George London Foundation, among others. One of Eliasen's most notable achievements was his work as the artistic director of the Houston Grand Opera Studio from 1991 to 2011. During his tenure, he helped to develop the studio into one of the most respected training programs for young opera singers in the world. Many of the singers who passed through the program went on to have successful careers in opera, performing at some of the world's most prestigious venues. Eliasen's work as a conductor has also been widely praised. He has conducted numerous productions at the Houston Grand Opera, the Wolf Trap Opera Company, and other leading opera companies around the world. His conducting has been described as sensitive, nuanced, and deeply expressive, bringing out the best in both the singers and the orchestra. In addition to his work as a teacher, conductor, and artistic director, Eliasen is also a respected author and scholar. He has written several books on vocal technique and interpretation, including "The Art of Interpretation" and "Singing in English: A Manual of English Diction for Singers and Voice Teachers." He has also published numerous articles and essays on opera and vocal music, and is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops around the world. Today, Eliasen continues to be an active and influential figure in the world of classical music.

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