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Kelly Markgraf is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for himself in the world of opera and concert performances. Born on August 22, 1977, in Houston, Texas, Markgraf grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His parents were both musicians, and they encouraged him to pursue his passion for singing from a young age. Markgraf began his formal music training at the University of Houston, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of William McGraw. After completing his studies, Markgraf began his professional career as an opera singer, performing in various productions across the United States and Europe. He made his debut with the Houston Grand Opera in 2003, playing the role of Schaunard in Puccini's La bohème. This performance marked the beginning of a successful career in opera, and Markgraf quickly gained recognition for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Over the years, Markgraf has performed in numerous productions with some of the world's most prestigious opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the San Francisco Opera. He has played a wide range of roles, from the romantic lead in Mozart's Don Giovanni to the villainous Scarpia in Puccini's Tosca. One of Markgraf's most notable performances was his portrayal of the title character in Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd. This production, which was staged by the San Francisco Opera in 2019, received critical acclaim for its powerful performances and stunning visuals. Markgraf's portrayal of Billy Budd was particularly praised for its emotional depth and nuanced characterization. In addition to his work in opera, Markgraf is also an accomplished concert performer. He has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, such as James Levine, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Sir Simon Rattle. Markgraf's concert repertoire is diverse, ranging from the works of Bach and Handel to contemporary composers like John Adams and Osvaldo Golijov. He has also premiered several new works, including the song cycle "Songs of the Sea" by composer Jake Heggie. Markgraf's talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2005, he was a winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, which helped launch his career on the international stage. He has also been a recipient of the Richard Tucker Career Grant, the George London Foundation Award, and the Sullivan Foundation Award. In addition to his work as a performer, Markgraf is also a passionate educator and advocate for the arts. He has served as a faculty member at the University of Houston and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and he has given masterclasses and workshops at schools and universities across the United States. Markgraf is also a strong supporter of various charitable organizations, including the Houston Grand Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the George London Foundation for Singers.

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