Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Janice Felty is a renowned American mezzo-soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on August 23, 1951, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Felty grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a singer, and they encouraged her to pursue her passion for music from a young age. Felty began her musical training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. She then went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she received a Master of Music degree in opera performance. Felty's career as a professional opera singer began in the late 1970s when she joined the Houston Grand Opera. She quickly established herself as a rising star in the opera world, and her performances were praised for their emotional depth and technical skill. In 1982, she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she performed the role of Cherubino in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." Over the course of her career, Felty has performed in many of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. She has also worked with many of the world's leading conductors, including James Levine, Leonard Bernstein, and Seiji Ozawa. One of Felty's most notable performances was her portrayal of the title character in the world premiere of John Adams' opera "Nixon in China" in 1987. The opera, which tells the story of President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972, was a critical and commercial success, and Felty's performance was widely praised for its power and intensity. Felty has also received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1983, she was awarded the Richard Tucker Award, which is given annually to an outstanding American opera singer. She has also been honored with the Opera News Award, the National Opera Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the North Carolina Award for Fine Arts. In addition to her work as an opera singer, Felty has also been active as a teacher and mentor to young singers. She has taught at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Michigan, and the University of California, Santa Barbara, among others. Throughout her career, Felty has remained committed to the art of opera and the power of music to connect people across cultures and generations. Her performances have inspired audiences around the world, and her legacy as one of the great mezzo-sopranos of our time is secure.

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