Jennifer Johnson Cano is a renowned American mezzo-soprano who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born on January 30, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri, Cano grew up in a musical family. Her father was a jazz musician, and her mother was a music teacher. Cano started singing at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Cano attended Webster University in St. Louis, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. She then went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she received a Master of Music degree in opera performance. During her time at Curtis, Cano studied under the tutelage of renowned mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne. Cano's career as a professional opera singer began in 2005 when she made her debut with the Santa Fe Opera in the role of Meg Page in Verdi's Falstaff. Since then, she has performed with some of the most prestigious opera companies and orchestras in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the San Francisco Opera, the Houston Grand Opera, the Los Angeles Opera, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. One of Cano's most notable performances was her portrayal of the role of Carmen in Bizet's Carmen at the Glimmerglass Festival in 2011. Her performance was praised by critics, who described her as "a Carmen for the ages." Cano has also received critical acclaim for her performances in Handel's Messiah, Mozart's Requiem, and Mahler's Symphony No. 2. Cano has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 2009, she was named a winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, which is one of the most prestigious vocal competitions in the world. She was also a winner of the George London Foundation Competition in 2010 and the Richard Tucker Career Grant in 2012. In addition to her work as an opera singer, Cano is also a dedicated educator. She has served as a faculty member at the Curtis Institute of Music and has given masterclasses at universities and conservatories throughout the United States. Cano is known for her powerful and expressive voice, as well as her ability to bring depth and emotion to her performances. She has been praised for her versatility as a singer, with the ability to perform a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary music. In recent years, Cano has become an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the classical music industry. She has spoken out about the lack of representation of people of color in opera and has worked to create opportunities for underrepresented artists. Overall, Jennifer Johnson Cano is a talented and accomplished mezzo-soprano who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Her powerful voice, expressive performances, and dedication to education and diversity have made her a beloved figure in the industry.

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