Country

:

Czech Republic

Birth

:

May 26, 1973 in Brno, Czech Republic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Magdalena Kožená is a Czech mezzo-soprano who has established herself as one of the leading classical music artists of her generation. Born on May 26, 1973, in Brno, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Kožená showed an early interest in music and began singing in a choir at the age of five. She later studied at the Brno Conservatory and the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, where she received vocal training from Eva Blahová. Kožená made her professional debut in 1995 at the Prague State Opera, where she performed the role of Cherubino in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." She quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and expressive performances, and soon began receiving invitations to perform at major opera houses and concert halls around the world. One of Kožená's early breakthrough performances came in 1997, when she sang the role of Sesto in Mozart's "La clemenza di Tito" at the Salzburg Festival. Her performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and technical precision, and helped establish her as a rising star in the classical music world. Over the years, Kožená has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and Sir Simon Rattle. She has also collaborated with many of the world's most renowned pianists, including Daniel Barenboim, Mitsuko Uchida, and Yefim Bronfman. Kožená's repertoire is wide-ranging and includes works by composers from the Baroque era to the present day. She is particularly known for her interpretations of works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Mahler, and has recorded several critically acclaimed albums of their music. One of Kožená's most notable performances came in 2003, when she sang the role of Dido in a production of Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" at the Glyndebourne Festival. Her performance was widely praised for its emotional intensity and dramatic power, and helped establish her as one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation. Kožená has also received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 2003, she was awarded the title of "Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" by the French government in recognition of her contributions to the arts. She has also been awarded the Echo Klassik Award, the Gramophone Award, and the BBC Music Magazine Award, among others. In addition to her work as a performer, Kožená is also a dedicated advocate for music education and outreach. She has worked with several organizations to promote music education and appreciation among young people, and has served as a mentor to many aspiring musicians. Today, Kožená continues to perform regularly at major concert halls and opera houses around the world. She is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile classical music artists of her generation, and her performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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