Country

:

Finland

Birth

:

April 14, 1958 in Helsinki, Finland

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Monica Groop is a Finnish mezzo-soprano who has established herself as one of the most versatile and accomplished classical music artists of her generation. Born on June 30, 1958, in Vaasa, Finland, Groop grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. She studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where she received her diploma in 1984. Groop's career as a professional singer began in the mid-1980s, when she made her debut with the Finnish National Opera in Helsinki. She quickly gained recognition for her powerful and expressive voice, as well as her ability to convey emotion and nuance in her performances. In 1987, she won the Lappeenranta Singing Competition, which helped to launch her international career. Over the years, Groop has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Vienna Philharmonic. She has also appeared in many of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Paris Opera. One of Groop's most notable performances was her portrayal of the title role in Mozart's "La Clemenza di Tito" at the Salzburg Festival in 1991. Her performance was widely praised for its depth and sensitivity, and it helped to establish her as one of the leading interpreters of Mozart's music. She has also been acclaimed for her performances in works by Bach, Handel, Schubert, and Mahler, among others. In addition to her work as a performer, Groop has also been active as a recording artist. She has recorded more than 50 albums, including several award-winning recordings of Mozart's operas and oratorios. Her recording of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Ton Koopman, won the Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal Recording in 1999. Throughout her career, Groop has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. In 1993, she was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal, one of Finland's highest honors for cultural achievement. She has also been awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland and the Order of the White Rose of Finland, two of the country's highest civilian honors. Groop has also been recognized for her work as a teacher and mentor to young singers. She has taught at the Sibelius Academy and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, and she has served as a jury member for several international singing competitions. In recent years, Groop has continued to perform and record, and she remains one of the most respected and admired classical music artists of her generation. Her contributions to the world of classical music have been significant, and her legacy as a performer and teacher will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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