Role

:

Performer

 

Ann-Beth Solvang is a Norwegian mezzo-soprano who has established herself as one of the most versatile and sought-after classical music artists of her generation. Born on May 22, 1979, in Bergen, Norway, Solvang grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. She studied at the Grieg Academy of Music in Bergen and later at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, where she received her master's degree in vocal performance. Solvang's career as a professional singer began in 2004 when she made her debut as Cherubino in Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro" at the Norwegian National Opera. Her performance was widely praised for its youthful energy and vocal agility, and it marked the beginning of a long and successful career in opera and concert singing. Over the years, Solvang has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras and opera companies, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Salzburg Festival. She has worked with many renowned conductors, such as Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, and Riccardo Muti, and has collaborated with some of the most celebrated singers of our time, including Plácido Domingo, Anna Netrebko, and Jonas Kaufmann. Solvang's repertoire is wide-ranging and includes works from the Baroque to the contemporary era. She is particularly known for her interpretations of Mozart, Handel, and Rossini, but she has also performed works by composers such as Mahler, Strauss, and Britten. Her voice is characterized by its warm, rich tone and its ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from joy and exuberance to sorrow and despair. One of Solvang's most memorable performances was her portrayal of Rosina in Rossini's "Il barbiere di Siviglia" at the Glyndebourne Festival in 2016. Her performance was praised for its sparkling wit and comic timing, as well as for her vocal virtuosity in the famous aria "Una voce poco fa." The production was later broadcast on television and received widespread acclaim. Solvang has also been recognized for her work in contemporary music. In 2012, she premiered the role of the Mother in the world premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage's opera "Anna Nicole" at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. The opera, which tells the story of the life and death of the American model and reality television star Anna Nicole Smith, was controversial but received critical acclaim for its bold and innovative approach to the subject matter. In addition to her work as a performer, Solvang is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught masterclasses at the Norwegian Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music in London, and she has served as a mentor for young singers through the Norwegian National Opera's Young Artists Program. Solvang's many achievements have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2006, she was awarded the prestigious Kirsten Flagstad Prize, which is given to young Norwegian singers who show exceptional promise. In 2010, she received the Statoil Talent Prize, which is awarded to Norwegian artists who have made a significant contribution to their field. She has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for her recordings, including her album "Handel Arias" with the Norwegian Baroque Orchestra. Despite her many accomplishments, Solvang remains humble and dedicated to her craft.

More....