Birth

:

in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Opera

 

Jane Henschel is a renowned mezzo-soprano opera singer who has captivated audiences around the world with her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Born on May 10, 1952, in San Francisco, California, Henschel grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. Her parents were both amateur musicians, and her father played the piano and the violin. Henschel's mother was a singer, and she encouraged her daughter to pursue a career in music. Henschel attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studied voice and piano. She later went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she received her Bachelor of Music degree. After completing her studies, Henschel began performing in opera productions around the United States, including at the Santa Fe Opera and the San Francisco Opera. In 1985, Henschel made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, playing the role of the Third Lady in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." This performance marked the beginning of a long and successful career for Henschel, who has since become one of the most sought-after mezzo-sopranos in the world. Over the years, Henschel has performed in many of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Berlin State Opera. She has also worked with some of the most renowned conductors and directors in the industry, including Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, and Peter Sellars. One of Henschel's most notable performances was in the 1997 production of "The Death of Klinghoffer" at the Glyndebourne Festival in England. The opera, which was composed by John Adams, tells the story of the hijacking of the Achille Lauro cruise ship by Palestinian terrorists in 1985. Henschel played the role of the Swiss Grandmother, a character who reflects on the tragedy and the human cost of violence. The production was controversial and sparked protests, but it was also widely praised for its powerful music and thought-provoking themes. Henschel has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 1999, she was awarded the title of Kammersängerin by the Austrian government, an honor that is given to outstanding opera singers. She has also been awarded the Order of Merit of Berlin and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for her contributions to the arts. In addition to her work in opera, Henschel is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught master classes at universities and conservatories around the world, including the Juilliard School, the Royal Academy of Music in London, and the Mozarteum in Salzburg. She is also a member of the faculty at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin. Throughout her career, Henschel has remained committed to exploring new and challenging works of music. She has performed in many contemporary operas and has worked with composers to create new pieces of music. She is also known for her interpretations of the works of Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, and other composers of the late Romantic period. In recent years, Henschel has continued to perform and teach, and she remains one of the most respected and admired mezzo-sopranos in the world. Her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and commitment to the art of opera have made her a beloved figure in the classical music community.

More....