Birth

:

October 13, 1950

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Katherine Ciesinski is a renowned American mezzo-soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on October 4, 1951, in Buffalo, New York, Ciesinski grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a violinist, and her mother was a pianist. From a young age, Ciesinski showed a keen interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of five. However, it was not until she was in high school that she discovered her true passion for singing. Ciesinski attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she studied voice with Jan DeGaetani. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1973 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the Juilliard School in New York City. While at Juilliard, Ciesinski studied with Jennie Tourel and made her professional debut in 1976 with the New York City Opera. Ciesinski's career took off in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and she quickly established herself as one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation. She made her European debut in 1979 at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera in England, where she sang the role of Cherubino in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." This performance was a critical success, and Ciesinski was praised for her "rich, warm, and expressive voice." Over the years, Ciesinski has performed with some of the world's most prestigious opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. She has also worked with many of the leading conductors of our time, including James Levine, Leonard Bernstein, and Seiji Ozawa. One of Ciesinski's most memorable performances was her portrayal of the title role in Alban Berg's "Lulu" at the Metropolitan Opera in 1980. This was a challenging role, both vocally and dramatically, and Ciesinski received rave reviews for her performance. The New York Times called her "a revelation" and praised her "powerful and expressive voice." Ciesinski has also had a successful career as a concert singer, performing with many of the world's leading orchestras. She has sung Mahler's "Das Lied von der Erde" with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the New York Philharmonic, and Handel's "Messiah" with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her performing career, Ciesinski has also been a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the Eastman School of Music, the University of Michigan, and the Juilliard School. Many of her students have gone on to have successful careers in the music industry. Ciesinski has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1981, she won a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording for her performance in "Lulu" with the Metropolitan Opera. She has also been awarded the Richard Tucker Award, the Marian Anderson Award, and the National Opera Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. In conclusion, Katherine Ciesinski is a true icon of the classical music world. Her rich, warm, and expressive voice has captivated audiences around the world, and her dedication to teaching has inspired countless young musicians. She has had a long and successful career, and her contributions to the world of music will be remembered for generations to come.

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