Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 7, 1964 in Washington, D.C.

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Denyce Graves is a renowned American mezzo-soprano who has captivated audiences around the world with her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Born on March 7, 1964, in Washington, D.C., Graves grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. Her mother was a choir director and her father was a jazz musician, and they both encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. Graves attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., where she studied voice and piano. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio and a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Graves made her professional debut in 1985 with the Houston Grand Opera, where she performed the role of Carmen in Bizet's opera of the same name. Her performance was a huge success and launched her career as a leading mezzo-soprano. She went on to perform with many of the world's top opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. One of Graves' most memorable performances was her portrayal of the title character in the Metropolitan Opera's production of "Carmen" in 1996. Her performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, and it cemented her reputation as one of the world's top opera singers. She has also performed in many other operas, including "Samson et Dalila," "Aida," and "Don Giovanni." In addition to her work in opera, Graves has also performed in concerts and recitals around the world. She has collaborated with many of the world's top conductors and orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed at many prestigious music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival and the Ravinia Festival. Graves has received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1995, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton, and in 2003, she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She has also received numerous honorary degrees from universities around the world. Graves is known not only for her powerful voice, but also for her commitment to using her talent to make a difference in the world. She has been involved in many charitable organizations, including the Children's Defense Fund and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She has also been a vocal advocate for the arts and arts education, and has worked to promote the importance of music in schools and communities. Today, Graves continues to perform and inspire audiences around the world. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of her generation, and her legacy as a musician and humanitarian is sure to endure for many years to come.

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