Birth

:

February 13, 1969 in Prairie Village, KS

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Joyce DiDonato is an American mezzo-soprano who has established herself as one of the leading classical music artists of her generation. Born on February 13, 1969, in Prairie Village, Kansas, DiDonato grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. She attended Wichita State University, where she studied vocal performance and received her Bachelor of Music degree in 1992. After completing her undergraduate studies, DiDonato moved to Philadelphia to attend the Academy of Vocal Arts, where she studied with renowned vocal coach and teacher, Marilyn Horne. During her time at the Academy, DiDonato won several prestigious vocal competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and the George London Foundation Competition. In 1997, DiDonato made her professional opera debut as Cherubino in Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro" at the Houston Grand Opera. She quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, and went on to perform at some of the world's most renowned opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. Throughout her career, DiDonato has become known for her interpretations of baroque and bel canto repertoire, particularly the works of Handel, Mozart, and Rossini. She has also been praised for her performances in contemporary operas, including the world premiere of Jake Heggie's "Great Scott" at the Dallas Opera in 2015. One of DiDonato's most notable performances came in 2013, when she starred in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Rossini's "La Cenerentola." Her portrayal of the title character, Cinderella, was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Solo. In addition to her work in opera, DiDonato is also a sought-after concert performer and recitalist. She has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. She has also collaborated with many of the world's most renowned conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Riccardo Muti, and James Levine. Throughout her career, DiDonato has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. In addition to her Grammy Award, she has been awarded the Richard Tucker Award, the Opera News Award, and the Royal Philharmonic Society's Singer of the Year Award. She was also named a MacArthur Fellow in 2018, one of the most prestigious awards in the arts. In addition to her work as a performer, DiDonato is also a passionate advocate for music education and outreach. She has worked with several organizations to promote music education in schools and communities, and has served as a mentor to young singers through programs such as the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera. Joyce DiDonato's career has been marked by her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and passionate commitment to classical music. She has established herself as one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation, and her performances have captivated audiences around the world. With her talent, dedication, and passion for music, DiDonato is sure to continue making a lasting impact on the world of classical music for years to come.

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