Role

:

Performer

 

Meredith Arwady is a renowned American contralto who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born on August 22, 1978, in Chicago, Illinois, Arwady grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer. Arwady started singing at a young age and was encouraged by her parents to pursue a career in music. Arwady attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. She then went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she received a Master of Music degree in opera performance. Arwady's career took off in 2004 when she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. This prestigious competition is open to young opera singers from across the United States and is considered one of the most important competitions for young singers. Arwady's win at the competition helped launch her career and led to her being offered roles at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses. One of Arwady's most notable performances was in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Richard Wagner's "Ring Cycle." Arwady played the role of Erda, the earth goddess, in the production. The "Ring Cycle" is a series of four operas that tell the story of a magical ring that grants its owner unlimited power. The production is considered one of the most challenging in the opera world, and Arwady's performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. Arwady has also performed at other major opera houses, including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the San Francisco Opera, and the Houston Grand Opera. She has played a variety of roles, including the title role in George Frideric Handel's "Xerxes," the Witch in Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel," and the Old Lady in Leonard Bernstein's "Candide." In addition to her work in opera, Arwady has also performed with orchestras and in recitals. She has worked with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, among others. Arwady has also performed in recitals at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Arwady has received numerous awards and honors 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. These awards are given to young opera singers who show exceptional talent and promise. Arwady is also known for her work as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She is an openly gay artist and has spoken out about the importance of representation and inclusivity in the opera world. In 2019, she was named a Stonewall Ambassador by the Stonewall Inn, a historic LGBTQ+ landmark in New York City. In conclusion, Meredith Arwady is a talented and accomplished contralto who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Her performances in opera productions and with orchestras have been widely praised, and she has received numerous awards and honors for her work. Arwady's advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community has also made her an important voice in the opera world and beyond.

More....