Iwona Sobotka is a renowned Polish soprano who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born on December 23, 1974, in the city of Gdansk, Poland, Sobotka grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a conductor, and her mother was a pianist, so it was only natural that she developed an interest in music at a young age. Sobotka began her musical education at the age of six, when she started taking piano lessons. However, it was not until she was 14 years old that she discovered her true passion for singing. She started taking voice lessons and quickly realized that she had a natural talent for singing. She continued her vocal training at the Academy of Music in Gdansk, where she studied under the guidance of Professor Danuta Paziuk-Zipser. After completing her studies, Sobotka began her professional career as a soloist with the Polish National Opera in Warsaw. She quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. Her performances were praised by critics and audiences alike, and she soon became one of the most sought-after sopranos in Poland. In 2001, Sobotka made her international debut at the Salzburg Festival, where she performed the role of Pamina in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Her performance was a huge success, and she was invited to perform at other prestigious venues, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Paris Opera. Over the years, Sobotka has performed a wide range of roles, from Mozart's heroines to Verdi's tragic heroines. She has also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, and Riccardo Muti. One of Sobotka's most memorable performances was her portrayal of the title role in Janacek's "The Cunning Little Vixen" at the Glyndebourne Festival in 2012. Her performance was praised for its emotional depth and its ability to capture the essence of the character. Sobotka has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2003, she was awarded the prestigious Paszport Polityki award, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to Polish culture. She has also been awarded the Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. In addition to her performances on stage, Sobotka is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught masterclasses at the Academy of Music in Gdansk and the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, and she has mentored young singers through the International Opera Studio in Zurich. Despite her many accomplishments, Sobotka remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform regularly and is always looking for new ways to challenge herself and grow as an artist. Her passion for music and her commitment to excellence have made her one of the most respected sopranos of her generation.

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