Ekaterina Levental is a classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a mezzo-soprano, harpist, and actress. Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 1977, Levental grew up in a family of musicians. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a composer and conductor. From a young age, Levental showed a talent for music, and she began studying the harp at the age of six. Levental's family moved to Israel when she was 12 years old, and she continued her musical studies there. She attended the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, where she studied the harp with Sunita Staneslow and the voice with Tamar Rachum. After completing her studies, Levental began performing as a harpist and mezzo-soprano in Israel and Europe. In 2001, Levental moved to the Netherlands to continue her musical career. She studied at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, where she earned a degree in harp performance. She also studied voice with Valérie Guillorit and acting with Paulien Geerlings. During her time in the Netherlands, Levental became a Dutch citizen and began performing extensively throughout the country. Levental's career as a mezzo-soprano has included performances in opera, oratorio, and recital. She has performed with many leading orchestras and ensembles, including the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Amsterdam Sinfonietta. She has also performed in many prestigious venues, such as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. One of Levental's most notable performances was her portrayal of Carmen in the opera of the same name by Georges Bizet. She performed the role in a production by the Dutch National Opera in 2016, which was directed by Richard Jones. The production received critical acclaim, and Levental's performance was praised for its intensity and emotional depth. In addition to her work as a mezzo-soprano, Levental is also an accomplished harpist. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in many countries, and she has recorded several albums of harp music. Her repertoire includes works by classical composers such as Bach, Handel, and Debussy, as well as contemporary composers such as Sofia Gubaidulina and Toshio Hosokawa. Levental's career as an actress has also been successful. She has appeared in several productions in the Netherlands, including the play "The Diary of Anne Frank" and the opera "The Fairy Queen" by Henry Purcell. She has also created several one-woman shows that combine music, theater, and storytelling. One of her most acclaimed shows is "De Grens," which tells the story of her family's migration from Uzbekistan to Israel. Levental has received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 2007, she won the Dutch Harp Competition, and in 2010, she was awarded the prestigious Dutch Music Prize, which is the highest honor for a musician in the Netherlands. She has also been awarded the Grachtenfestival Prize and the VSCD Classical Music Prize. In addition to her performing career, Levental is also a teacher and mentor. She has taught at several music schools in the Netherlands, and she has given masterclasses and workshops in many countries. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of musicians. Overall, Ekaterina Levental is a versatile and talented musician who has made a significant impact on the classical music world.

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