Tania Kross is a renowned mezzo-soprano opera singer from the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao. She was born on October 28, 1976, in Oranjestad, Aruba, to a Dutch mother and a Curaçaoan father. Her family moved to Curaçao when she was six years old, and it was there that she discovered her love for music. Kross began singing in church choirs at a young age and later joined the Curaçao Youth Orchestra. She also studied at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, where she received her degree in classical singing. Kross made her professional debut in 2001 in the role of Carmen in the Dutch National Opera's production of Bizet's Carmen. Since then, Kross has performed in numerous productions around the world, including at the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Salzburg Festival in Austria. She has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Riccardo Chailly, and Valery Gergiev. One of Kross's most notable performances was in the role of Amneris in Verdi's Aida at the Metropolitan Opera in 2011. Her performance was highly praised by critics, with The New York Times calling her "a force of nature" and "a mezzo-soprano of considerable power and expressivity." Kross has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2003, she won the Elisabeth Everts Prize, which is awarded to the most promising young singer in the Netherlands. She was also named a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2012 for her contributions to Dutch culture. In addition to her opera performances, Kross is also known for her crossover work, blending classical music with other genres such as jazz and pop. She has released several albums, including Crossover, which features collaborations with jazz musicians such as Eric Vloeimans and Mike del Ferro. Kross is also a passionate advocate for music education and has worked with organizations such as the Dutch National Opera's Opera Forward Festival to promote music education in schools. She has also been involved in various charitable causes, including the fight against breast cancer. In conclusion, Tania Kross is a highly accomplished mezzo-soprano opera singer who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. Her powerful voice and expressive performances have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, and her dedication to music education and charitable causes has made her a beloved figure in the Netherlands and beyond.

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