Birth

:

June 23, 1956 in Mansfield, OH

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Sylvia McNair is a renowned American classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of opera and concert singing. Born on June 23, 1956, in Mansfield, Ohio, McNair grew up in a musical family. Her father was a jazz musician, and her mother was a church choir director. McNair's love for music was evident from a young age, and she began singing in her church choir at the age of six. McNair's talent was recognized early on, and she was awarded a scholarship to study music at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1980 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at Indiana University. During her time at Indiana University, McNair studied under the renowned soprano Margaret Harshaw, who helped her develop her vocal technique and stage presence. McNair's professional career began in 1982 when she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. This win opened doors for her, and she was soon offered roles in major opera productions across the United States. In 1984, McNair made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, playing the role of Papagena in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Her performance was well-received, and she was praised for her clear, bright voice and her engaging stage presence. Over the years, McNair has performed in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. She has also worked with some of the most renowned conductors and orchestras, including Sir Georg Solti, James Levine, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her opera work, McNair has also made a name for herself as a concert singer. She has performed with major orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. McNair is known for her versatility as a singer, and she has performed a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque music to contemporary works. Throughout her career, McNair has received numerous awards and accolades for her work. In 1993, she won a Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Performance for her recording of "The Echoing Air: The Music of Henry Purcell." She has also been awarded the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. McNair's career has not been without its challenges. In 1995, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment, which included a mastectomy. She took a break from performing to focus on her health but returned to the stage in 1996. McNair has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness and has used her platform to raise awareness about the disease. In recent years, McNair has shifted her focus to teaching. She has held teaching positions at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. She has also given masterclasses and workshops around the world, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of singers. In conclusion, Sylvia McNair is a highly respected and accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of opera and concert singing. Her clear, bright voice and engaging stage presence have won her fans around the world, and her versatility as a singer has allowed her to perform a wide range of repertoire.

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