Country

:

Ireland

Birth

:

August 27, 1949 in Dublin, Ireland

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Ann Murray is a renowned Irish mezzo-soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on August 27, 1949, in Dublin, Ireland, Murray grew up in a musical family. Her father was a tenor and her mother was a pianist, and they encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Murray began her musical training at the Royal Manchester College of Music, where she studied with Frederic Cox. She later continued her studies at the London Opera Centre, where she was coached by Vera Rózsa. In 1973, she made her professional debut at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, where she played Cherubino in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." Murray's career took off in the 1970s and 1980s, during which she performed in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses. She made her debut at the Royal Opera House in London in 1974, where she played the role of Rosina in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville." She also performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Paris Opera, the Vienna State Opera, and the Bavarian State Opera. Murray's repertoire includes a wide range of operas, oratorios, and song cycles. She is particularly known for her interpretations of Mozart, Handel, and Rossini. Some of her most notable roles include Dorabella in Mozart's "Così fan tutte," Octavian in Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier," and the title role in Handel's "Ariodante." In addition to her opera performances, Murray has also made numerous recordings. She has recorded over 60 albums, including solo recitals, opera recordings, and collaborations with other artists. Some of her most acclaimed recordings include "The Marriage of Figaro" with Sir Georg Solti, "The Barber of Seville" with Sir Neville Marriner, and "Ariodante" with Sir Charles Mackerras. Murray has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1982, she was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to music. She was also awarded the DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1998. In 1991, she was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Singer Award, and in 1992, she was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera. Murray has also been recognized for her contributions to the world of classical music outside of her performances. She has served as a trustee of the Royal Opera House and the National Opera Studio, and she has been a member of the board of directors of the Royal Philharmonic Society. She has also been a professor of singing at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Murray retired from performing in 2010, but her legacy in the world of classical music continues to live on. She has been praised for her rich, warm voice, her impeccable technique, and her ability to convey emotion through her performances. She has been described as one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of her generation, and her contributions to the world of classical music have been invaluable.

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