Birth

:

November 20, 1948 in Stephens, AR

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Barbara Hendricks is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of opera and classical music. Born on November 20, 1948, in Stephens, Arkansas, Hendricks grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a pastor and a singer, and her mother was a pianist. Hendricks began singing in church at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Hendricks attended the University of Nebraska, where she studied mathematics and chemistry. However, she soon realized that her true passion was music, and she transferred to the Juilliard School in New York City to study voice. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1974 and went on to study at the Aspen Music Festival and School. Hendricks made her professional debut in 1974 at the Glyndebourne Festival in England, where she sang the role of Sandrina in Mozart's La finta giardiniera. Her performance was well-received, and she quickly gained a reputation as a rising star in the opera world. She went on to perform at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. One of Hendricks' most notable performances was her portrayal of the title role in Bizet's Carmen. She first performed the role in 1986 at the Glyndebourne Festival and went on to perform it at the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, and the Paris Opera. Her performance was praised for its intensity and emotional depth, and it cemented her reputation as one of the world's leading opera singers. In addition to her opera performances, Hendricks has also had a successful career as a concert singer. She has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. She has also collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors, including Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, and Sir Simon Rattle. Hendricks has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1982, she was awarded the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. In 1987, she was awarded the title of Kammersängerin by the Vienna State Opera, becoming the first non-Austrian to receive the honor. In 1992, she was awarded the Polar Music Prize by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, and in 2000, she was awarded the Légion d'honneur by the French government. In addition to her music career, Hendricks is also known for her humanitarian work. She is a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and has worked to raise awareness of the plight of refugees around the world. She has also been involved in efforts to promote education and healthcare in Africa. In conclusion, Barbara Hendricks is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of opera and classical music. Her powerful voice and emotional performances have captivated audiences around the world, and her humanitarian work has made a positive impact on the lives of many people. She is a true inspiration and a testament to the power of music to bring people together and make a difference in the world.

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