Birth

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1979 in Niort, France

 

Isabelle Druet is a French mezzo-soprano who has established herself as one of the most versatile and accomplished classical music artists of her generation. Born in 1979 in Lille, France, Druet showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano at the age of six. However, it was not until she was a teenager that she discovered her true passion for singing and decided to pursue a career in opera. Druet began her vocal training at the Conservatoire de Lille, where she studied with the renowned soprano Françoise Pollet. She quickly distinguished herself as a talented young singer, winning several awards and competitions, including the First Prize at the International Singing Competition of Marmande in 2001. She then went on to study at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, where she worked with the likes of Christa Ludwig, Teresa Berganza, and Malcolm Walker. Druet made her professional debut in 2004, singing the role of Cherubino in Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro" at the Opéra de Lille. This performance was widely praised for her rich, warm voice and her ability to convey the character's youthful energy and impetuosity. From there, Druet quickly established herself as a rising star in the opera world, performing in major productions across Europe and beyond. One of the highlights of Druet's career came in 2008, when she was invited to perform at the prestigious Salzburg Festival. She sang the role of Rosina in Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" in a production directed by Bartlett Sher, which was widely acclaimed for its wit, charm, and musicality. Druet's performance was singled out for its "sparkling coloratura" and "vibrant stage presence," and she was hailed as one of the most promising young singers of her generation. Since then, Druet has continued to perform in a wide range of operas and concerts, showcasing her versatility and range as a singer. She has sung everything from Mozart and Rossini to Berlioz and Debussy, and has worked with some of the most renowned conductors and directors in the business. Some of her most notable performances include her portrayal of Carmen in Bizet's opera of the same name, which she has sung in productions in France, Germany, and Switzerland; her interpretation of the title role in Handel's "Ariodante," which she performed at the Opéra de Lille in 2012; and her rendition of Berlioz's "Les Nuits d'été," which she has sung with orchestras across Europe. In addition to her work on the opera stage, Druet is also a sought-after concert performer, known for her interpretations of French art song and other vocal repertoire. She has performed in recitals and concerts across Europe, and has recorded several albums of classical music, including a critically acclaimed recording of Berlioz's "Les Nuits d'été" with the Orchestre National de Lille. Throughout her career, Druet has received numerous awards and accolades for her singing, including the Prix Lyrique de l'AROP in 2010 and the Prix de la Révélation Lyrique at the Victoires de la Musique Classique in 2011. She has also been recognized for her commitment to promoting classical music and supporting young artists, serving as a mentor and teacher to aspiring singers and participating in outreach programs and educational initiatives.

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