Birth

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October 17, 1981 in Rome, GA

 

Jamie Barton is a renowned American mezzo-soprano who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born on October 17, 1981, in Rome, Georgia, Barton grew up in a musical family. Her father was a choir director and her mother was a piano teacher. She started singing in church at a young age and was encouraged by her parents to pursue music. Barton attended Shorter College in Rome, Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. She then went on to study at Indiana University, where she received a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance. During her time at Indiana University, Barton was a member of the prestigious Jacobs School of Music and studied under the tutelage of renowned mezzo-soprano Virginia Zeani. Barton's career as a professional opera singer began in 2007 when she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. This prestigious competition is open to young opera singers from across the United States and is considered one of the most important competitions for young singers. Barton's win at the competition helped launch her career and she quickly became a sought-after performer. One of Barton's most notable performances came in 2013 when she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She played the role of Adalgisa in Bellini's opera "Norma" and received critical acclaim for her performance. The New York Times called her "a true star in the making" and praised her "rich, powerful voice." Barton has also performed at other major opera houses around the world, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Bavarian State Opera in Munich. She has played a variety of roles, including the title role in Bizet's "Carmen," which she has performed at the Houston Grand Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House. In addition to her work in opera, Barton is also a sought-after concert performer. She has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed at major music festivals, including the BBC Proms and the Ravinia Festival. Barton's talent has not gone unnoticed, and she has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2015, she won the Richard Tucker Award, which is considered one of the most prestigious awards for young opera singers in the United States. The award is named after the legendary American tenor Richard Tucker and is given annually to a young singer who shows great promise in the field of opera. Barton has also been recognized for her work as an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the classical music world. In 2018, she was awarded the Beverly Sills Artist Award by the Metropolitan Opera. The award is given to young singers who have already made a significant impact in the opera world and who show great promise for the future. In addition to her work as a performer, Barton is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has worked with young singers at the Houston Grand Opera's Young Artists Vocal Academy and has also taught masterclasses at universities and music schools around the world. Barton's talent, dedication, and passion for music have made her one of the most respected and admired mezzo-sopranos in the world of classical music.

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