Birth

:

1963 in North Carolina

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Elizabeth Futral is a renowned American soprano who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born on September 27, 1963, in Johnston City, Illinois, Futral grew up in a musical family. Her father was a high school band director, and her mother was a church pianist. Futral started singing in church at a young age and began taking voice lessons when she was in high school. Futral attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. She then went on to study at Indiana University, where she received a Master of Music degree in vocal performance. After completing her studies, Futral began her professional career as a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago's Young Artist Program. Futral's career took off in the 1990s when she began performing in major opera houses around the world. In 1992, she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City as Zerbinetta in Richard Strauss's "Ariadne auf Naxos." She quickly became a favorite at the Met, performing in numerous productions over the years, including "The Magic Flute," "La Traviata," and "The Merry Widow." Futral has also performed at other major opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Bavarian State Opera in Munich. She has worked with some of the most renowned conductors in the world, including James Levine, Sir Colin Davis, and Zubin Mehta. In addition to her work in opera, Futral has also performed in concert halls around the world. She has sung with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, among others. She has also performed in recital at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Futral's performances have been widely praised by critics and audiences alike. She is known for her clear, bright voice and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. She has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including the Richard Tucker Award, the Beverly Sills Artist Award, and the Opera News Award. One of Futral's most memorable performances was in the title role of Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor" at the Metropolitan Opera in 2007. Her performance was praised for its emotional depth and technical brilliance. The New York Times called her "a soprano of exceptional beauty and refinement." Futral has also been recognized for her work in contemporary opera. She created the role of Stella in André Previn's "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the San Francisco Opera in 1998. She also performed in the world premiere of Jake Heggie's "Dead Man Walking" at the San Francisco Opera in 2000. In addition to her performing career, Futral is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the University of Kentucky. She has also given masterclasses at universities and conservatories around the world. Futral has been married to tenor Richard Novak since 1991. They have two children together. In conclusion, Elizabeth Futral is a highly respected soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her clear, bright voice and emotional depth have made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Her numerous awards and accolades are a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft.

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