Birth

:

in Thomasville, NC

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Victoria Livengood is a renowned American mezzo-soprano who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born on August 26, 1954, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Livengood grew up in a musical family. Her father was a church choir director, and her mother was a pianist. Livengood started singing in church choirs at a young age and quickly developed a passion for music. Livengood attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she studied voice under the tutelage of Elizabeth Schwarzkopf. She later continued her studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she received a Master of Music degree. Livengood made her professional debut in 1985 with the New York City Opera, where she performed the role of Maddalena in Verdi's Rigoletto. Her performance was well-received, and she quickly became a sought-after mezzo-soprano in the opera world. Over the years, Livengood has performed in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. She has also performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. One of Livengood's most notable performances was her portrayal of the title role in Bizet's Carmen. She has performed this role numerous times throughout her career, including at the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, and the San Francisco Opera. Her performance has been praised for its depth and intensity, and she has been hailed as one of the greatest Carmens of her generation. In addition to her opera performances, Livengood has also made a name for herself as a concert artist. She has performed in many of the world's leading concert halls, including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. She has also collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors, including James Levine, Zubin Mehta, and Seiji Ozawa. Livengood has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 1992, she was awarded the Richard Tucker Award, which is given annually to an American opera singer who is on the verge of a major international career. She has also been awarded the Opera News Award, the Marian Anderson Award, and the North Carolina Award for Fine Arts. In addition to her performing career, Livengood is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. She is also a frequent guest lecturer and masterclass teacher at universities and conservatories around the world. Livengood is known for her powerful voice, her dramatic intensity, and her ability to bring complex characters to life on stage. She has been praised for her versatility, and she has performed a wide range of roles throughout her career, from the tragic heroines of Verdi to the comic characters of Mozart. In conclusion, Victoria Livengood is a true icon of the classical music world. Her powerful voice, dramatic intensity, and versatility have made her one of the most sought-after mezzo-sopranos of her generation. Her performances have been praised for their depth and intensity, and she has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. She is also a dedicated teacher, and she has inspired countless young musicians to pursue their dreams.

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