Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Film

 

 

Vocal

 

Mary Nessinger is a renowned American mezzo-soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on August 22, 1959, in New York City, Nessinger grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. Her father was a jazz musician, and her mother was a visual artist. Nessinger's love for music began at an early age, and she started singing in her church choir when she was just six years old. Nessinger attended the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in voice. She then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in voice at the Juilliard School. During her time at Juilliard, Nessinger studied with renowned vocal coaches such as Beverley Peck Johnson and Ellen Faull. She also had the opportunity to work with some of the most prominent conductors in the world, including James Levine and Leonard Bernstein. After completing her studies, Nessinger began her professional career as a soloist with various opera companies and orchestras. She made her debut with the New York City Opera in 1985, where she performed the role of the Second Lady in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Nessinger's performance was well-received, and she quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile mezzo-soprano. Over the years, Nessinger has performed with some of the most prestigious opera companies and orchestras in the world. She has appeared with the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Houston Grand Opera, among others. Nessinger has also performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. One of Nessinger's most notable performances was her portrayal of the role of Baba the Turk in Stravinsky's "The Rake's Progress" at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera in 1997. Her performance was widely praised, and she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the character. Nessinger has also performed in several world premieres, including John Harbison's "The Great Gatsby" and John Adams' "El Niño." In addition to her work as a soloist, Nessinger is also a dedicated educator. She has taught voice at the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Tanglewood Music Center. Nessinger is also a faculty member at the Bard College Conservatory of Music, where she teaches voice and opera. Throughout her career, Nessinger has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1993, she was awarded the Richard Tucker Career Grant, which is given to promising young opera singers. Nessinger was also a recipient of the Marian Anderson Award in 2001, which recognizes artists who have made significant contributions to the arts and to society. Nessinger's dedication to her craft and her commitment to excellence have made her one of the most respected and admired mezzo-sopranos in the world. Her performances have inspired audiences and fellow musicians alike, and her contributions to the world of classical music will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

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