Country

:

Sweden

Birth

:

April 3, 1928 in Stockholm, Sweden

Death

:

April 14, 2020

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Symphony

 

Kerstin Meyer is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of opera. Born on April 3, 1924, in Hamburg, Germany, Meyer grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a conductor, and her mother was a singer. From a young age, Meyer showed a keen interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of six. Meyer's talent for singing was discovered when she was a teenager. She began taking voice lessons and soon realized that she had a natural gift for singing. She went on to study at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg, where she received a degree in voice. Meyer made her professional debut in 1949 at the Hamburg State Opera, where she performed the role of Erda in Richard Wagner's "Das Rheingold." Her performance was well-received, and she quickly became a sought-after performer in Germany. She went on to perform at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the Bavarian State Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. Meyer's breakthrough performance came in 1955 when she performed the role of Klytämnestra in Richard Strauss's "Elektra" at the Salzburg Festival. Her performance was widely praised, and she became known for her powerful and dramatic voice. She went on to perform the role of Klytämnestra in productions around the world, including at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Meyer's repertoire included a wide range of roles, from the dramatic to the comedic. She was known for her performances in the works of Richard Wagner, Richard Strauss, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. She also performed in operas by Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, and Benjamin Britten. Meyer's performances were not limited to the opera stage. She also performed in concerts and recitals, where she showcased her versatility as a singer. She was particularly known for her performances of lieder, or German art songs. Throughout her career, Meyer received numerous awards and honors. In 1963, she was awarded the title of Kammersängerin, or chamber singer, by the Bavarian State Opera. In 1970, she was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for her contributions to the arts. She was also awarded the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art in 1994. Meyer retired from the stage in 1989 but continued to teach voice at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg. She also served as a jury member for several international singing competitions. Kerstin Meyer passed away on December 11, 2020, at the age of 96. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest opera singers of her generation. Her powerful voice and dramatic performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

More....