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Kevin Burdette is a renowned American bass-baritone opera singer who has made a name for himself in the classical music industry. He was born on August 31, 1970, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Growing up, Burdette was exposed to a wide range of music genres, including jazz, blues, and classical music. Burdette's love for music started at a young age, and he began singing in his church choir. He later joined the New Orleans Children's Chorus, where he honed his singing skills. Burdette attended Loyola University New Orleans, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in vocal performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Burdette's career in opera began in 1997 when he joined the Houston Grand Opera Studio. He made his professional debut in the role of Colline in Puccini's La bohème. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Burdette's career took off, and he began performing in major opera houses across the United States and Europe. One of Burdette's most notable performances was in the role of Leporello in Mozart's Don Giovanni at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. The New York Times praised his performance, saying, "Kevin Burdette was a standout as Leporello, the Don's servant, with a rich, resonant voice and a gift for comic timing." Burdette has also performed in several other major opera houses, including the San Francisco Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Washington National Opera, and the Santa Fe Opera. He has worked with some of the most renowned conductors and directors in the industry, including James Levine, Sir Andrew Davis, and Robert Carsen. In addition to his opera performances, Burdette has also appeared in several concerts and recitals. He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others. Burdette is also a frequent performer at the Bard Music Festival, where he has performed in several operas and concerts. Burdette's talent and hard work have earned him several awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2005, he was awarded the Richard Tucker Career Grant, which is given to promising young opera singers. He was also a recipient of the George London Foundation Award in 2006 and the Opera Index Award in 2007. Burdette is known for his versatility as a performer, and he has tackled a wide range of roles throughout his career. He has performed in operas ranging from Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro to John Adams' Doctor Atomic. Burdette is also known for his comedic timing and has performed in several comedic operas, including Rossini's The Barber of Seville and Donizetti's Don Pasquale. In addition to his performing career, Burdette is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at several universities and conservatories, including the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the University of Houston Moores School of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music. Burdette's talent, dedication, and hard work have made him one of the most respected and sought-after bass-baritones in the industry. He continues to perform and teach, inspiring the next generation of opera singers.

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