Genre

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Vocal

 

Susan Bickley is a renowned mezzo-soprano in the world of classical music. Born on August 5, 1966, in Yorkshire, England, Bickley grew up in a musical family. Her father was a church organist, and her mother was a singer. Bickley started singing at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Bickley attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where she studied under the tutelage of Patrick McGuigan. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1988 and went on to pursue a postgraduate degree at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Bickley's career took off in the early 1990s when she won the Kathleen Ferrier Award, a prestigious competition for young singers. This award opened doors for Bickley, and she quickly became a sought-after performer in the UK and abroad. Bickley's repertoire is vast and includes works by composers such as Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Britten. She is particularly known for her interpretations of contemporary music and has worked with many living composers, including Thomas Adès, George Benjamin, and Mark-Anthony Turnage. One of Bickley's most significant performances was in the world premiere of Benjamin's opera, "Written on Skin," at the Aix-en-Provence Festival in 2012. Bickley played the role of Agnès, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage who finds solace in an affair with an artist. The opera was a critical and commercial success and has since been performed in major opera houses around the world. Bickley has also performed in many other notable productions, including the world premiere of Turnage's opera, "The Silver Tassie," at the English National Opera in 2000. She has also performed in Handel's "Messiah" at the Royal Albert Hall and Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" at the BBC Proms. Bickley has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In addition to the Kathleen Ferrier Award, she has won the Royal Philharmonic Society's Singer Award and the South Bank Show Award for Opera. She was also appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to music. Bickley is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She is passionate about passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of singers. In addition to her performing and teaching work, Bickley is also involved in various charitable organizations. She is a patron of the charity Music in Hospitals & Care, which brings live music to people in healthcare settings. She is also a trustee of the Britten-Pears Foundation, which supports the legacy of composer Benjamin Britten and his partner, the tenor Peter Pears. In conclusion, Susan Bickley is a highly respected and accomplished mezzo-soprano in the world of classical music. Her natural talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft have led to a successful career spanning over three decades. Her performances in contemporary music have been particularly noteworthy, and she has worked with many living composers to bring their works to life. Bickley's numerous awards and accolades are a testament to her talent and contribution to the world of classical music.

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