Birth

:

November 28, 1948

Death

:

October 14, 2022

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Mariana Nicolesco is a renowned Romanian soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on April 25, 1950, in Bucharest, Romania, Nicolesco showed an early interest in music and began her vocal training at the age of 14. She studied at the National University of Music in Bucharest, where she received her degree in vocal performance. Nicolesco's career began in the early 1970s when she won the first prize at the International Singing Competition in Toulouse, France. This victory marked the beginning of a successful career that would take her to some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. In 1972, she made her debut at the Romanian National Opera in Bucharest, where she quickly established herself as one of the leading sopranos of her generation. Throughout her career, Nicolesco has performed in some of the most iconic roles in opera, including Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata, Lucia in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, and Gilda in Verdi's Rigoletto. She has also performed in a wide range of other operas, including Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, Puccini's La Bohème, and Bizet's Carmen. One of the highlights of Nicolesco's career was her performance in the title role of Bellini's Norma at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1981. Her performance was widely praised by critics, who described her voice as "rich and powerful" and her acting as "riveting." She went on to perform the role of Norma in many other productions around the world, cementing her reputation as one of the greatest interpreters of the role. Nicolesco has also been recognized for her work as a concert singer, performing in recitals and with orchestras around the world. She has collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors of her time, including Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Muti, and Zubin Mehta. In addition to her work as a performer, Nicolesco has also been active as a teacher, serving as a professor of vocal performance at the National University of Music in Bucharest. Throughout her career, Nicolesco has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1990, she was awarded the title of "Artist of the People" by the Romanian government, and in 2008, she was awarded the Order of the Star of Romania, the country's highest civilian honor. She has also been recognized by the French government, receiving the title of "Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" in 1993. In addition to her work as a performer and teacher, Nicolesco has been active in promoting the arts in Romania and around the world. She has served as the president of the Romanian National Opera and has been involved in a number of cultural organizations, including the International Opera and Ballet Festival in Bucharest. Today, Nicolesco continues to perform and teach, inspiring a new generation of singers with her passion and dedication to the art of classical music. Her legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of her generation is secure, and her contributions to the world of opera and classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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