Melissa Givens is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a soprano singer. She was born in Houston, Texas, in the United States of America, on the 22nd of August, 1973. Melissa grew up in a family that was passionate about music, and this played a significant role in shaping her career as a musician. Melissa's love for music began at a young age, and she started singing in her church choir when she was just six years old. Her parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue music as a career. Melissa attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, where she honed her skills as a singer. After high school, Melissa went on to study music at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. She then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Melissa's career as a professional musician began in 1999 when she joined the Houston Grand Opera Studio. She made her debut with the Houston Grand Opera in 2000, playing the role of the First Lady in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Melissa's performance was well-received, and it marked the beginning of a successful career in the world of classical music. Over the years, Melissa has performed in numerous operas, concerts, and recitals, both in the United States and abroad. Some of her most notable performances include her portrayal of the title role in Handel's "Semele" at the Glimmerglass Festival, her performance as the Countess in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Houston Grand Opera, and her portrayal of the role of Bess in Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" at the Washington National Opera. Melissa has also performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the Houston Symphony, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra. She has worked with renowned conductors such as Christoph Eschenbach, Leonard Slatkin, and Robert Spano. In addition to her work as a performer, Melissa is also a dedicated educator. She has served as a faculty member at the University of Houston's Moores School of Music and has taught master classes at various institutions across the United States. Melissa's talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and she has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2002, she was named a finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, one of the most prestigious competitions for young opera singers in the United States. She was also a recipient of the Richard F. Gold Career Grant from the Shoshana Foundation in 2003. Melissa's dedication to her craft and her passion for music have made her one of the most respected and sought-after classical music artists of her generation. Her performances have touched the hearts of audiences around the world, and her contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for years to come.

More....