Wallis Giunta is a Canadian mezzo-soprano who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born on May 2, 1985, in Ottawa, Canada, Giunta grew up in a musical family. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a singer, so it was no surprise that Giunta developed an interest in music at a young age. Giunta began her musical training at the age of six, studying piano and voice. She attended the University of Ottawa, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. She then went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she received a Master of Music degree in opera. Giunta's career began to take off in 2010 when she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. This prestigious competition is open to singers between the ages of 20 and 30 and is considered one of the most important competitions for young opera singers in the United States. Giunta's win earned her a cash prize of $15,000 and a chance to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Since then, Giunta has performed at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Canadian Opera Company. She has also performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. One of Giunta's most notable performances was in the title role of Bizet's Carmen at the Canadian Opera Company in 2016. Her performance was praised by critics for its "sultry, smoky tone" and "commanding stage presence." She also received rave reviews for her performance as Rosina in Rossini's The Barber of Seville at the Glyndebourne Festival in 2019. In addition to her opera performances, Giunta is also a sought-after concert performer. She has performed in recitals and concerts across North America and Europe, and has collaborated with some of the world's leading conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle and Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Giunta has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In addition to her win at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, she was also a winner of the George London Foundation Competition and the Marilyn Horne Song Competition. She was also a finalist in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 2015. Giunta is known for her versatility as a performer, and her ability to sing a wide range of repertoire. She has performed everything from Mozart and Rossini to contemporary works by living composers. She is also known for her commitment to new music, and has premiered works by several Canadian composers. In addition to her performing career, Giunta is also a passionate advocate for music education. She has worked with several organizations to promote music education in schools, and has given masterclasses and workshops for young singers. Giunta's career shows no signs of slowing down, and she continues to be in demand as a performer. She is set to make her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in the 2021-2022 season, in the role of Cherubino in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. With her talent, versatility, and commitment to music education, Wallis Giunta is sure to be a force in the world of classical music for years to come.

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