Birth

:

January 21, 1957 in Philadelphia, PA

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Susanne Mentzer is a renowned American mezzo-soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on July 28, 1957, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mentzer grew up in a musical family. Her father was a jazz musician, and her mother was a singer. Mentzer's love for music began at an early age, and she started singing in church choirs and school musicals. Mentzer attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls, where she was a member of the school's choir and performed in several musical productions. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she studied voice with renowned soprano Eileen Farrell. Mentzer graduated from the Curtis Institute in 1979 with a Bachelor of Music degree. After completing her studies at the Curtis Institute, Mentzer moved to New York City to pursue a career in opera. She made her professional debut in 1982 with the San Francisco Opera, where she performed the role of Cherubino in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." Mentzer's performance was well-received, and she quickly gained recognition as a rising star in the opera world. Over the next few years, Mentzer performed with several major opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Royal Opera House in London. She also made her debut at the Salzburg Festival in 1988, where she performed the role of Dorabella in Mozart's "Così fan tutte." Mentzer's repertoire includes a wide range of operatic roles, from Mozart to Verdi to contemporary composers. She is particularly known for her performances in the works of Richard Strauss, including the roles of Octavian in "Der Rosenkavalier" and the Composer in "Ariadne auf Naxos." Mentzer has also performed in several world premieres, including the role of Sister Helen Prejean in Jake Heggie's "Dead Man Walking." In addition to her work in opera, Mentzer is also a sought-after concert performer. She has performed with major orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Mentzer is also a frequent recitalist, and she has performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Wigmore Hall in London. Throughout her career, Mentzer has received numerous awards and honors. In 1992, she was awarded the Richard Tucker Award, which is given annually to an American singer who is on the verge of a major international career. Mentzer was also a recipient of the Opera News Award in 2007, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the opera world. Mentzer has also been recognized for her work as a teacher and mentor. She has served on the faculty of several music schools, including the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Manhattan School of Music. Mentzer is also a frequent guest lecturer and masterclass teacher, and she has worked with young singers around the world. In addition to her work in music, Mentzer is also an advocate for several charitable causes. She is a board member of the Sing for Hope organization, which brings music to underserved communities in New York City. Mentzer is also a supporter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society. In conclusion, Susanne Mentzer is a highly respected and accomplished mezzo-soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music.

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