Birth

:

April 14, 1934 in Chicago, IL

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Paul Sperry is a renowned American tenor and music educator, known for his exceptional vocal range and versatility in performing a wide range of classical music genres. Born on August 22, 1945, in New York City, Sperry grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from an early age. His father was a professional violinist, and his mother was a pianist and singer, who often performed in local choirs and musical productions. Sperry's interest in music was evident from a young age, and he began taking piano lessons at the age of six. However, it was not until he was in high school that he discovered his true passion for singing. He joined the school choir and quickly became one of its leading members, impressing his teachers and peers with his powerful and expressive voice. After graduating from high school, Sperry enrolled at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied voice under the tutelage of renowned vocal coach Beverley Peck Johnson. During his time at Juilliard, Sperry honed his vocal skills and developed a deep appreciation for classical music, particularly the works of Mozart, Schubert, and Handel. In 1968, Sperry made his professional debut as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic, performing Handel's Messiah under the baton of Leonard Bernstein. The performance was a resounding success, and Sperry's powerful and emotive rendition of the aria "Comfort Ye" earned him critical acclaim and established him as a rising star in the classical music world. Over the next few years, Sperry continued to perform with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He also made several appearances at major music festivals, such as the Salzburg Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival, where he received rave reviews for his performances of Mozart's operas and Schubert's lieder. In 1974, Sperry made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, performing the role of Tamino in Mozart's The Magic Flute. The performance was a major milestone in Sperry's career, and he went on to become a regular performer at the Met, appearing in productions of Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, and The Marriage of Figaro, among others. Throughout his career, Sperry has also been a passionate advocate for music education and has worked tirelessly to promote the importance of music in schools and communities. He has served as a faculty member at several prestigious music schools, including the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the New England Conservatory of Music, where he has mentored countless young musicians and helped to shape the next generation of classical music performers. In recognition of his contributions to the world of classical music, Sperry has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1982, he was awarded the prestigious Richard Tucker Award, which is given annually to an outstanding American opera singer. He has also been honored with the National Opera Institute's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the New England Conservatory's Outstanding Alumni Award. Despite his many accomplishments, Sperry remains humble and dedicated to his craft, always striving to improve his vocal technique and expand his repertoire.

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