Country

:

New Zealand

Birth

:

1976 in Dunedin, New Zealand

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Jonathan Lemalu is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for himself in the world of opera and concert performances. Born on August 23, 1976, in Samoa, Lemalu grew up in New Zealand where he discovered his love for music at a young age. He began singing in his church choir and later joined the New Zealand Youth Choir, which helped him develop his vocal skills. Lemalu went on to study music at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1998. He then moved to London to continue his studies at the Royal College of Music, where he earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Performance in 2002. Lemalu's career as a professional musician began in 2002 when he won the Kathleen Ferrier Award, a prestigious competition for young singers in the United Kingdom. This award helped him gain recognition in the music industry and led to his debut at the Royal Opera House in London in 2003, where he played the role of Masetto in Mozart's Don Giovanni. Since then, Lemalu has performed in some of the world's most renowned opera houses and concert halls, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Sydney Opera House. He has also collaborated with some of the world's leading conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Antonio Pappano, and Daniel Barenboim. One of Lemalu's most notable performances was his portrayal of Leporello in Mozart's Don Giovanni at the Salzburg Festival in 2008. His performance was widely praised by critics, who described him as a "scene-stealer" and "a standout in the cast." He also received critical acclaim for his performance as Figaro in Rossini's The Barber of Seville at the Glyndebourne Festival in 2016. In addition to his opera performances, Lemalu is also a sought-after concert performer. He has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He is particularly known for his performances of Handel's Messiah, which he has performed with numerous orchestras and choirs around the world. Lemalu has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In addition to the Kathleen Ferrier Award, he has won the Royal Philharmonic Society's Young Artist Award, the New Zealand Order of Merit, and the Samoan Order of Merit. He was also named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2012 for his services to music. Despite his success, Lemalu remains committed to giving back to his community. He is a patron of the Music in Hospitals and Care charity, which provides live music performances for people in hospitals and care homes. He is also a patron of the New Zealand Youth Choir, the choir that helped him develop his love for music as a child. In conclusion, Jonathan Lemalu is a talented and accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of opera and concert performances. His powerful voice, engaging stage presence, and commitment to his community have made him a beloved figure in the music industry.

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