Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Symphony

 

Regina Sarfaty was a renowned American mezzo-soprano who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. She was born on September 23, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, to a family of Jewish immigrants from Russia. Her father was a cantor, and her mother was a homemaker. Sarfaty grew up in a musical environment and started singing at a young age. Sarfaty attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where she studied voice and piano. She then went on to study at the Juilliard School of Music, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree. She continued her studies at the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned a Master of Music degree. Sarfaty made her professional debut in 1953, singing the role of Cherubino in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" with the New York City Opera. She quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and expressive performances. In 1955, she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera, singing the role of Siebel in Gounod's "Faust." She went on to perform at the Met for over a decade, singing a wide range of roles, including Rosina in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville," Dorabella in Mozart's "Così fan tutte," and Octavian in Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier." Sarfaty also performed with other major opera companies, including the San Francisco Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Houston Grand Opera. She was known for her versatility and ability to sing in multiple languages, including Italian, French, German, and Russian. In addition to her opera performances, Sarfaty was also a sought-after concert artist. She performed with major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. She was particularly known for her performances of Mahler's "Das Lied von der Erde" and Berlioz's "Les nuits d'été." Sarfaty received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1960, she was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, which recognizes African American artists who have made significant contributions to the arts. She was also a recipient of the Richard Tucker Award, which is given to outstanding American opera singers. In 1970, she was awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York for her contributions to the arts. Sarfaty retired from performing in 1980 and became a voice teacher. She taught at the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School of Music, among other institutions. She was known for her dedication to her students and her ability to inspire them to reach their full potential. Regina Sarfaty passed away on August 23, 2018, at the age of 88. She left behind a legacy as one of the most talented and versatile mezzo-sopranos of her generation. Her powerful voice and expressive performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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