Role

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Composer  

Country

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United States of America

Genre

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Crossover

 

 

Vocal

 

Custer LaRue is a renowned American soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on November 12, 1947, in Washington D.C., LaRue grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. Her father was a jazz musician, and her mother was a painter. LaRue's love for music began at an early age, and she started singing in church choirs and school musicals. LaRue attended the University of Maryland, where she studied music and voice. She later went on to study at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, where she received her Master's degree in voice. During her time at Peabody, LaRue was mentored by the renowned soprano Phyllis Bryn-Julson, who helped her develop her vocal technique and artistry. After completing her studies, LaRue began her professional career as a soloist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. She quickly gained recognition for her beautiful voice and expressive performances, and she was soon in demand as a soloist with orchestras and ensembles across the United States. One of LaRue's most significant achievements was her collaboration with the early music ensemble The Baltimore Consort. The group, which specializes in music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, was founded in 1980, and LaRue joined them as a vocalist in 1982. Her partnership with The Baltimore Consort lasted for over 30 years, during which time they recorded numerous albums and performed together at major venues and festivals around the world. LaRue's performances with The Baltimore Consort were praised for their beauty, sensitivity, and authenticity. She was particularly admired for her ability to bring to life the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, which can be challenging to perform due to their complex harmonies and ornamentation. LaRue's performances were characterized by her clear, pure tone, her impeccable diction, and her ability to convey the emotional depth of the music. In addition to her work with The Baltimore Consort, LaRue has also performed with other early music ensembles, including Hesperus, The Folger Consort, and The Harp Consort. She has also collaborated with modern composers, including Philip Glass and John Harbison, and has performed in operas and oratorios. LaRue's talent and dedication to her craft have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1990, she was awarded the prestigious Handel Medallion by the City of New York for her contributions to the performance of Baroque music. She has also received the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award, the Washington Area Music Association Wammie Award, and the Early Music America Thomas Binkley Award. LaRue's recordings have also received critical acclaim. Her album "Wondrous Love," which features traditional American hymns and spirituals, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1993. Her album "The Art of the Bawdy Song," which features songs from the Renaissance and Baroque periods with humorous or risqué lyrics, was also highly praised. LaRue's legacy as a performer and interpreter of early music is significant. She has helped to bring the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods to a wider audience and has inspired countless musicians and music lovers with her beautiful voice and expressive performances. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to authenticity and emotional depth have made her a beloved figure in the world of classical music.

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