Country

:

Finland

Birth

:

February 14, 1957 in Finland

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Soile Isokoski is a Finnish soprano who has established herself as one of the leading classical music artists of her generation. Born on February 14, 1957, in Posio, Finland, Isokoski grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. She studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where she received her diploma in 1986. Isokoski's career began to take off in the late 1980s, when she won several international singing competitions, including the Lappeenranta Singing Competition in 1987 and the Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 1989. These victories brought her to the attention of major opera companies and concert halls around the world. Isokoski made her operatic debut in 1987 as Mimi in Puccini's La Bohème at the Finnish National Opera. She quickly became a sought-after performer, appearing in leading roles at major opera houses such as the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Vienna State Opera. Some of her most acclaimed performances include her portrayal of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, Elsa in Wagner's Lohengrin, and the title role in Strauss's Arabella. In addition to her operatic work, Isokoski is also a highly regarded concert singer. She has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. She is particularly known for her interpretations of the works of Jean Sibelius, the great Finnish composer. Isokoski has recorded several albums of Sibelius's songs, including a highly acclaimed collection of his orchestral songs with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout her career, Isokoski has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. In 2002, she was awarded the Pro Finlandia medal, one of Finland's highest honors for cultural achievement. She has also been awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland and the Order of the White Rose of Finland. In 2018, she was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace in recognition of her work promoting cultural diversity and understanding through music. Isokoski has also been recognized for her work as a teacher and mentor to young singers. She has taught at the Sibelius Academy and the University of the Arts Helsinki, and has served as a mentor to many young singers through her work with the Finnish National Opera's Young Artists Program. Despite her many accomplishments, Isokoski remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She has said that her greatest joy comes from the act of singing itself, and that she is always striving to improve and deepen her understanding of the music she performs. Her passion and dedication have made her one of the most beloved and respected classical music artists of her generation, and her legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.

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