Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

January 16, 1934 in Bradford, PA

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Marilyn Horne is a renowned American mezzo-soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. She was born on January 16, 1934, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, to parents who were both musicians. Her father was a choir director and organist, while her mother was a singer and pianist. Horne grew up in a musical environment and started singing at a young age. Horne's talent was recognized early on, and she received a scholarship to attend the University of Southern California. She studied with the famous soprano Lotte Lehmann and made her debut at the age of 20 in a production of Handel's Messiah. Her performance was well-received, and she soon began to receive offers for other roles. Horne's breakthrough came in 1956 when she was cast as Hata in a production of The Bartered Bride at the San Francisco Opera. Her performance was a huge success, and she was soon offered a contract with the company. She went on to perform in several productions with the San Francisco Opera, including the role of Carmen in Bizet's opera of the same name. Horne's career continued to flourish, and she became known for her powerful voice and dramatic performances. She made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1970 as Adalgisa in Bellini's Norma, and she went on to perform in several other productions at the Met, including the role of Amneris in Verdi's Aida. Horne's repertoire was vast, and she was known for her performances of works by Handel, Rossini, and Mozart, among others. She was also a champion of contemporary music and premiered several works by American composers. Horne's talent was recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1992 and was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1995. She was also awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1995. Horne retired from performing in 1999 but continued to be involved in the world of classical music. She founded the Marilyn Horne Foundation, which provides support and training for young singers, and she also served as a mentor and teacher to many aspiring musicians. In conclusion, Marilyn Horne is a legendary figure in the world of classical music. Her powerful voice and dramatic performances have left an indelible mark on the genre, and her contributions to the art form will be remembered for generations to come.

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