Mika Kares is a Finnish bass-baritone who has established himself as one of the most sought-after classical music artists of his generation. Born on August 5, 1976, in Helsinki, Finland, Kares grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a professional cellist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Kares showed a keen interest in music and began singing in a choir when he was just six years old. Kares received his formal musical education at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned Finnish bass-baritone Jorma Hynninen. During his time at the academy, Kares honed his vocal skills and developed a deep understanding of the art of classical singing. After completing his studies, Kares began his professional career as a soloist with the Finnish National Opera in Helsinki. He quickly gained a reputation for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence, and soon began receiving invitations to perform at major opera houses and concert halls around the world. One of Kares' most notable performances came in 2013, when he made his debut at the Salzburg Festival in Austria. He performed the role of Sarastro in Mozart's "The Magic Flute," and his performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. The following year, Kares made his debut at the Royal Opera House in London, where he performed the role of Colline in Puccini's "La Bohème." Kares has also performed at many other prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Paris Opera, the Berlin State Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. He has collaborated with some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, and Riccardo Muti. In addition to his work in opera, Kares is also a highly sought-after concert performer. He has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also performed at major music festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival and the BBC Proms. Kares has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2015, he was awarded the Finnish State Prize for Music, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Finnish musician. He has also been awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal, which is one of Finland's highest honors for cultural achievements. Despite his many accomplishments, Kares remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to work tirelessly to perfect his vocal technique and to bring his unique artistry to audiences around the world. With his powerful voice and magnetic stage presence, Mika Kares is truly one of the most exciting classical music artists of our time.

More....