Edwin Crossley-Mercer is a French-American baritone who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on December 28, 1976, in Metz, France, he grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a conductor and his mother was a pianist, so it was only natural that he would develop a love for music at a young age. Crossley-Mercer began his musical education at the Conservatoire National de Région de Metz, where he studied piano and singing. He later continued his studies at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, where he received a degree in singing. He also studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Crossley-Mercer made his professional debut in 2002 at the Opéra National de Paris, where he performed the role of the Count in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. This performance was a major milestone in his career, as it led to many other opportunities. Over the years, Crossley-Mercer has performed in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, and the Opéra National de Paris. He has also performed at many music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Aix-en-Provence Festival, and the Glyndebourne Festival. One of Crossley-Mercer's most notable performances was his portrayal of the title role in Mozart's Don Giovanni at the Aix-en-Provence Festival in 2010. His performance was widely praised by critics, who noted his powerful voice and commanding stage presence. He has also received critical acclaim for his performances in Handel's Messiah, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, and Schubert's Winterreise. In addition to his work in opera, Crossley-Mercer is also a 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 collaborated with many renowned conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, and Riccardo Muti. Crossley-Mercer has received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 2004, he was awarded the Prix Lyrique de l'AROP, which is given to the most promising young singer of the year by the Association pour le Rayonnement de l'Opéra de Paris. He was also a finalist in the prestigious Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 2005. In 2012, Crossley-Mercer was awarded the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in recognition of his contributions to the arts. This honor is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature in France and around the world. Crossley-Mercer is known for his versatility as a performer, as well as his dedication to his craft. He is constantly seeking out new challenges and opportunities to grow as an artist. He is also committed to sharing his love of music with others, and has worked with many young musicians through masterclasses and workshops. In addition to his work as a performer, Crossley-Mercer is also a passionate advocate for the arts. He has spoken out about the importance of music education and the need to support young artists. He has also been involved in many charitable organizations, including the Fondation de France and the Fondation Abbé Pierre. Overall, Edwin Crossley-Mercer is a talented and accomplished musician who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music.

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