Birth

:

November 23, 1955 in Washington, D.C.

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Harolyn Blackwell is a renowned American soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. She was born on March 23, 1955, in Washington, D.C. to a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a classical pianist. Blackwell grew up in a musical environment and started singing at a young age. Blackwell attended the University of Maryland, where she studied music education. She later received a scholarship to attend the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. At Juilliard, she studied with Beverley Peck Johnson and Ellen Faull. Blackwell graduated from Juilliard in 1979 with a Bachelor of Music degree. Blackwell's career began in 1980 when she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. This win launched her career, and she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1982 as Micaela in Bizet's Carmen. She went on to perform in several other productions at the Metropolitan Opera, including The Magic Flute, La Bohème, and Die Fledermaus. In addition to her performances at the Metropolitan Opera, Blackwell has also performed with several other opera companies, including the San Francisco Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Houston Grand Opera. She has also performed in Europe, appearing at the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. Blackwell's repertoire includes a wide range of operas, from Mozart to contemporary works. She has also performed in several musicals, including Carousel, Candide, and The Phantom of the Opera. Blackwell's versatility as a performer has made her a sought-after artist in the world of classical music. Blackwell has received several awards and honors throughout her career. In 1987, she won a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording for her performance in Leonard Bernstein's Candide. She has also received the Richard Tucker Award, the Marian Anderson Award, and the Opera News Award. In addition to her performances, Blackwell is also a dedicated educator. She has taught master classes at several universities, including the University of Michigan, the University of Maryland, and the University of Cincinnati. She has also served as a judge for several vocal competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Blackwell has also been involved in several charitable organizations. She has served on the board of directors for the Harlem School of the Arts and the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. She has also been a spokesperson for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In conclusion, Harolyn Blackwell is a talented soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her performances at the Metropolitan Opera and other opera companies have earned her critical acclaim, and her versatility as a performer has made her a sought-after artist. Blackwell's dedication to education and charitable work has also made her a respected member of the music community.

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