Birth

:

1977

 

Cora Burggraaf is a Dutch mezzo-soprano who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born on December 22, 1977, in Amsterdam, Burggraaf grew up in a musical family. Her father was a jazz musician, and her mother was a singer. From a young age, Burggraaf showed a talent for singing, and she began taking voice lessons at the age of 12. Burggraaf studied at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam, where she received her Bachelor of Music degree in 2001. She then went on to study at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, where she received her Master of Music degree in 2003. During her studies, Burggraaf was a member of the Netherlands Opera Studio, where she received training in opera performance. Burggraaf made her professional debut in 2003, singing the role of Cherubino in Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro" at the Netherlands Opera. She quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and expressive performances, and she began to receive invitations to perform at major opera houses and concert halls around the world. One of Burggraaf's most notable performances was her portrayal of the title role in the world premiere of Michel van der Aa's opera "After Life" at the Netherlands Opera in 2006. The opera, which was based on the film of the same name by Hirokazu Kore-eda, tells the story of a group of people who must choose one memory to take with them into the afterlife. Burggraaf's performance was praised for its emotional depth and sensitivity. Burggraaf has also performed at the Royal Opera House in London, the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and the Teatro Real in Madrid, among other prestigious venues. She has collaborated with conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Harding, and Marc Albrecht, and she has worked with composers including Louis Andriessen, György Ligeti, and Kaija Saariaho. In addition to her work in opera, Burggraaf is also a sought-after concert performer. She has performed with orchestras such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic, and she has appeared at festivals such as the Salzburg Festival and the BBC Proms. Burggraaf has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 2005, she was awarded the prestigious Dutch Music Prize, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a musician in the Netherlands. She was also named a Rising Star by the European Concert Hall Organization in 2007, which led to a series of concerts at major concert halls throughout Europe. Burggraaf is known for her versatility as a performer, and she has a wide-ranging repertoire that includes works from the Baroque era to the present day. She is particularly admired for her interpretations of contemporary music, and she has premiered numerous works by living composers. Burggraaf is also a dedicated teacher, and she has given masterclasses at institutions such as the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and the University of Michigan. She is passionate about passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians. In conclusion, Cora Burggraaf is a highly accomplished mezzo-soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her powerful voice, expressive performances, and dedication to her craft have earned her a reputation as one of the most talented singers of her generation.

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