J'nai Bridges is a renowned mezzo-soprano opera singer who has captivated audiences with her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Born on January 1, 1987, in Lakewood, Washington, J'nai grew up in a musical family and was exposed to classical music at a young age. Her mother was a pianist and her father was a jazz musician, which gave her a diverse musical background. J'nai began singing in church choirs and school musicals, but it wasn't until she attended the University of Washington that she discovered her passion for opera. She studied under the tutelage of renowned mezzo-soprano Vinson Cole and earned her Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance in 2009. After graduation, J'nai continued her studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she received her Master of Music degree in opera performance in 2011. During her time at Curtis, she was mentored by mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne, who helped shape her vocal technique and stage presence. J'nai's career took off in 2012 when she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, one of the most prestigious competitions for young opera singers. This win led to her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 2013, where she played the role of Bersi in Giuseppe Verdi's "Andrea Chénier." Her performance was praised by critics, who noted her "rich, dark voice" and "impressive stage presence." Since then, J'nai has performed at some of the world's most renowned opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the San Francisco Opera. She has played a variety of roles, from Carmen in Georges Bizet's "Carmen" to Dalila in Camille Saint-Saëns' "Samson et Dalila." One of J'nai's most notable performances was in the world premiere of "Fire Shut Up in My Bones," an opera by composer Terence Blanchard and librettist Kasi Lemmons. The opera, which is based on the memoir of New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow, tells the story of a young boy growing up in rural Louisiana and grappling with his sexuality. J'nai played the role of Charles' mother, and her performance was praised for its emotional depth and vulnerability. In addition to her opera performances, J'nai is also a sought-after concert singer. She has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She has also collaborated with a variety of contemporary composers, including John Adams and Osvaldo Golijov. J'nai's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to her win at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, she was a finalist in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 2015. She was also named a 2019 Sphinx Medal of Excellence recipient, which recognizes outstanding classical musicians of color. J'nai is not only a talented singer but also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the classical music industry. She has spoken out about the need for more representation of people of color in opera and has worked with organizations like Opera America to promote diversity and equity in the field. In conclusion, J'nai Bridges is a rising star in the world of classical music. Her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and commitment to diversity and inclusion have made her a beloved performer and an important voice in the industry.

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