Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Ellen Hargis is a renowned American soprano and early music specialist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on December 10, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, Hargis grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from an early age. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer, and they both encouraged her to pursue music as a career. Hargis began her musical training as a child, studying piano and voice. She later attended the University of Illinois, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in voice. She then went on to study at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she received a Master of Music degree in voice. After completing her studies, Hargis began her career as a professional singer, specializing in early music. She quickly gained a reputation as one of the leading sopranos in the field, and her performances were praised for their clarity, purity, and emotional depth. Hargis has performed with many of the world's leading early music ensembles, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Newberry Consort, and the King's Noyse. She has also appeared as a soloist with major orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. One of Hargis's most notable performances was her portrayal of the title role in the Boston Early Music Festival's production of Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea in 1994. Her performance was widely praised for its beauty, sensitivity, and dramatic intensity, and it helped to establish her as one of the leading interpreters of early music. Hargis has also received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1997, she was awarded the prestigious Noah Greenberg Award by the American Musicological Society, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the performance of early music. She has also been awarded the Order of the Star of Italy by the Italian government for her work in promoting Italian culture and music. In addition to her performing career, Hargis is also a respected teacher and scholar. She has taught at many of the world's leading music schools, including the University of Chicago, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Eastman School of Music. She has also published numerous articles and essays on early music and has served as a consultant for many early music ensembles and festivals. Hargis's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant, and her performances have inspired and moved audiences around the world. Her dedication to the art of early music and her commitment to excellence have made her one of the most respected and admired musicians of her generation.

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