Elisabeth Schollaert was a Belgian classical music artist who was born on May 12, 1922, in Ghent, Belgium. She was the daughter of a music teacher and grew up in a family that was passionate about music. Her father recognized her talent for music at a young age and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Schollaert began her musical education at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent, where she studied piano and singing. She was a gifted student and quickly gained recognition for her talent. In 1942, she won first prize in the singing competition at the Conservatory, which was a significant achievement for a young artist. After completing her studies at the Conservatory, Schollaert began performing in concerts and recitals throughout Belgium. She quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile artist, with a beautiful voice and a deep understanding of the music she performed. In 1947, Schollaert made her debut at the Royal Opera House in Brussels, where she performed the role of Mimi in Puccini's La Bohème. Her performance was a huge success, and she was praised for her beautiful voice and her ability to convey the emotions of the character. Over the next few years, Schollaert continued to perform in operas and concerts throughout Europe. She performed in many of the major opera houses, including the Paris Opera, the Vienna State Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London. She also performed in concerts with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of the highlights of Schollaert's career was her performance in the world premiere of Benjamin Britten's opera, The Turn of the Screw, at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice in 1954. Schollaert played the role of the Governess, and her performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and sensitivity. Schollaert was also a prolific recording artist, and she recorded many of the major works of the classical repertoire. Her recordings of Mozart's operas, in particular, were highly regarded, and she was praised for her ability to capture the beauty and complexity of Mozart's music. Throughout her career, Schollaert received many awards and honors for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1953, she was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for her recording of Mozart's Don Giovanni. She was also awarded the Order of Leopold, one of Belgium's highest honors, for her contributions to the arts. Despite her success, Schollaert remained humble and dedicated to her craft. She continued to perform and record well into her seventies, and she remained a beloved figure in the world of classical music until her death in 2005. In conclusion, Elisabeth Schollaert was a gifted and versatile classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of opera and classical music. Her beautiful voice, emotional depth, and dedication to her craft made her one of the most beloved artists of her time. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of classical music artists today.

More....