Kelley O'Connor is a renowned American mezzo-soprano who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born on September 23, 1978, in Mobile, Alabama, O'Connor grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer. O'Connor's love for music was evident from a young age, and she began singing in church choirs and school productions. O'Connor attended the University of Alabama, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. She then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. During her time at the conservatory, O'Connor studied under the tutelage of renowned mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade. O'Connor's career as a professional musician began in 2002 when she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. This prestigious competition is open to young opera singers from across the United States, and winning it is considered a significant achievement. O'Connor's victory in the competition helped launch her career, and she soon began performing in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses. One of O'Connor's most notable performances came in 2007 when she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She played the role of Dorabella in Mozart's "Così fan tutte," and her performance was widely praised by critics. The New York Times called her "a mezzo-soprano of ravishing tone and refined musicality." O'Connor has also performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 2010, she performed Mahler's "Das Lied von der Erde" with the San Francisco Symphony, and her performance was described as "stunning" by the San Francisco Chronicle. In addition to her work in opera and with orchestras, O'Connor is also a sought-after recitalist. She has performed in recitals across the United States and Europe, and her repertoire includes works by composers such as Schubert, Brahms, and Debussy. O'Connor has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In addition to winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, she was also a winner of the George London Foundation Competition and the Richard Tucker Career Grant. In 2017, she was awarded the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, which recognizes outstanding classical musicians of color. O'Connor is also committed to music education and outreach. She has worked with organizations such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Youth Orchestra Los Angeles and the National Children's Chorus. In 2015, she founded the Kelley O'Connor Vocal Studio, which provides voice lessons and coaching to young singers. In conclusion, Kelley O'Connor is a talented and accomplished mezzo-soprano who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Her performances have been praised for their musicality and emotional depth, and she has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. O'Connor's commitment to music education and outreach also makes her a valuable member of the classical music community.

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