Birth

:

in England

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Susan Platts is a renowned classical music artist known for her rich and expressive contralto voice. Born in Saskatoon, Canada, on August 27, 1968, Platts grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. Her mother was a pianist and her father played the trumpet, and they both encouraged her to pursue music. Platts studied at the University of Saskatchewan, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. She then went on to study at the University of Toronto, where she earned a Master of Music degree in vocal performance. During her studies, Platts received numerous awards and scholarships, including the prestigious Canada Council for the Arts grant. After completing her studies, Platts began her professional career as a soloist with various orchestras and opera companies. She quickly gained a reputation for her powerful and emotive performances, and was soon in demand as a guest artist with orchestras around the world. One of Platts' most notable performances was her debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2003, where she performed Mahler's Symphony No. 2 under the baton of Lorin Maazel. The performance was widely praised by critics, who noted Platts' "rich and resonant voice" and "impressive range and control." Platts has also performed with other major orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. She has worked with many renowned conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Zubin Mehta, and Daniel Barenboim. In addition to her work as a soloist, Platts is also a dedicated recitalist and chamber musician. She has performed in many prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Wigmore Hall. Platts is also a frequent collaborator with pianist Malcolm Martineau, with whom she has recorded several albums of art songs. Platts' discography includes a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque and Classical works to contemporary music. She has recorded several albums of Mahler's songs, including "Das Lied von der Erde" with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, which was nominated for a Juno Award in 2010. Platts has also recorded works by Brahms, Schubert, and Schumann, as well as contemporary composers such as John Tavener and James MacMillan. Throughout her career, Platts has received numerous awards and accolades for her performances. In 2004, she was awarded the Virginia Parker Prize by the Canada Council for the Arts, which recognizes outstanding young Canadian musicians. She has also been nominated for several Juno Awards, including Best Classical Album in 2010 and 2012. Platts is also a dedicated educator, and has taught masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools around the world. She is currently a faculty member at the University of Toronto, where she teaches voice and vocal pedagogy. In addition to her musical career, Platts is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. She has spoken publicly about her own struggles with depression and anxiety, and has worked to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues. In conclusion, Susan Platts is a highly respected and accomplished classical music artist, known for her powerful and expressive contralto voice. Her performances with major orchestras and in prestigious venues around the world have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards.

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