Birth

:

October 25, 1942

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

Ortrun Wenkel is a renowned German mezzo-soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. She was born on October 6, 1942, in Leipzig, Germany. Her parents were both musicians, and her father was a conductor. Wenkel grew up in a musical environment and started singing at a young age. Wenkel received her musical education at the Leipzig Conservatory, where she studied voice with Gisela Pohl. She made her debut in 1967 at the Leipzig Opera as Cherubino in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." Her performance was well-received, and she quickly gained recognition as a talented mezzo-soprano. In 1970, Wenkel joined the Berlin State Opera, where she performed in various productions, including "Carmen," "Don Giovanni," and "The Magic Flute." Her performance in "Carmen" was particularly noteworthy, and she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the title character. Wenkel's international career took off in the 1980s when she began performing in major opera houses and concert halls around the world. She made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1982 as Klytemnestra in Richard Strauss's "Elektra." Her performance was highly praised, and she became a regular performer at the Met. Wenkel has also performed at other major opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Vienna State Opera, and the Paris Opera. She has worked with some of the most renowned conductors, including Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, and Daniel Barenboim. In addition to her opera performances, Wenkel has also established herself as a prominent concert singer. She has performed with major orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. She has also performed at major music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival and the Edinburgh Festival. Wenkel's repertoire is extensive and includes works by composers such as Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Mahler, and Strauss. She is particularly known for her interpretations of works by Bach and Handel. Wenkel has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1986, she was awarded the National Prize of East Germany for her contributions to music. She was also awarded the Order of Merit of Berlin in 1992 and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2002. Wenkel has also been recognized for her recordings. She has recorded extensively for major record labels, including Deutsche Grammophon, EMI, and Sony Classical. Her recording of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" with the Berlin Philharmonic and Herbert von Karajan is considered a classic. Wenkel retired from the stage in 2007 but continues to teach and mentor young singers. She has served as a professor of voice at the Hanns Eisler School of Music in Berlin and has given masterclasses around the world. In conclusion, Ortrun Wenkel is a highly respected mezzo-soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her performances have been praised for their technical excellence and emotional depth. She has worked with some of the most renowned conductors and orchestras and has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. Wenkel's legacy as a performer and teacher will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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