Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Kathryn Harries is a renowned British soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on August 23, 1948, in Liverpool, England, Harries grew up in a family that was passionate about music. Her father was a church organist, and her mother was a singer. Harries started singing at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Harries received her formal music education at the Royal Manchester College of Music, where she studied under the guidance of Frederic Cox. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1970 and went on to pursue further studies at the National Opera Studio in London. Harries made her professional debut in 1972 as the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. Her performance was well-received, and she quickly established herself as a rising star in the world of opera. Over the next few years, Harries performed in various productions across the UK, including the English National Opera, the Royal Opera House, and the Scottish Opera. In 1978, Harries made her international debut at the Salzburg Festival in Austria, where she performed the role of Fiordiligi in Mozart's Così fan tutte. Her performance was a huge success, and she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the character. This marked the beginning of Harries' international career, and she went on to perform in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. Throughout her career, Harries has performed a wide range of roles, from Mozart's heroines to Wagner's Valkyries. She is particularly known for her performances in the works of Benjamin Britten, having performed in several of his operas, including Peter Grimes, The Turn of the Screw, and Death in Venice. Harries has also worked with some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Sir Georg Solti, Sir Colin Davis, and Sir Simon Rattle. In addition to her work in opera, Harries has also performed in concerts and recitals. She has collaborated with many leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Harries has also recorded extensively, with over 50 recordings to her name, including complete operas, oratorios, and song cycles. Throughout her career, Harries has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1985, she was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to music. She has also been awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Singer Award, the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera, and the Gramophone Award for Best Opera Recording. Harries retired from performing in 2008, but she continues to be involved in the world of music. She is a professor of singing at the Royal College of Music in London and is also a trustee of the Britten-Pears Foundation. Harries is also a patron of several music organizations, including the National Opera Studio and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. In conclusion, Kathryn Harries is a highly respected soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her natural talent, combined with her dedication and hard work, has led to a successful career that has spanned over four decades.

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