Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

June 9, 1950 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Symphony

 

Edith Wiens is a renowned Canadian soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on June 23, 1950, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Wiens grew up in a musical family. Her father was a church organist, and her mother was a pianist. Wiens started singing at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Wiens received her formal music education at the University of Saskatchewan, where she studied voice with Irene Jessner. After completing her undergraduate degree, she moved to New York City to pursue further studies at the Juilliard School. There, she studied with Beverley Peck Johnson and Jennie Tourel, two of the most respected voice teachers of the time. Wiens made her professional debut in 1976 at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she sang the role of Pamina in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Her performance was well-received, and she quickly established herself as a rising star in the opera world. Wiens went on to perform in many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. Throughout her career, Wiens has been known for her versatility as a singer. She has performed a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary music. She has also collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors, including Leonard Bernstein, Sir Georg Solti, and James Levine. One of Wiens' most notable performances was her portrayal of the title role in Richard Strauss' "Arabella" at the Salzburg Festival in 1983. Her performance was widely praised, and it helped establish her as one of the leading sopranos of her generation. Wiens also received critical acclaim for her performances in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Don Giovanni." In addition to her work in opera, Wiens has also had a successful career as a concert singer. She has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Wiens has also recorded extensively, with over 50 recordings to her name. Throughout her career, Wiens has received many awards and honors. In 1986, she was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors. She has also received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and the Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2015, Wiens was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Canadian Opera Company. Wiens has also been recognized for her work as a teacher. She has taught at the University of British Columbia and the University of Western Ontario, and she has given masterclasses around the world. Many of her students have gone on to have successful careers in the music industry. In addition to her work as a singer and teacher, Wiens has also been an advocate for the arts. She has served on the boards of many arts organizations, including the Canadian Opera Company and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. She has also been a vocal advocate for the importance of music education in schools. In conclusion, Edith Wiens is a highly respected soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her versatility as a singer, her collaborations with leading conductors and orchestras, and her work as a teacher and advocate for the arts have all contributed to her success. Wiens' legacy as a musician and educator will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

More....