Rebecca de Pont Davies is a Welsh mezzo-soprano who has established herself as one of the leading classical music artists of her generation. Born in Cardiff, Wales, on August 22, 1964, Davies grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. She attended the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, where she studied under the renowned mezzo-soprano Della Jones. Davies made her professional debut in 1988, singing the role of Cherubino in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Welsh National Opera. She quickly gained a reputation for her powerful voice and expressive performances, and soon began to receive invitations to perform at major opera houses and concert halls around the world. One of Davies' most notable early performances was in 1991, when she sang the role of Orfeo in Gluck's "Orfeo ed Euridice" at the Royal Opera House in London. The performance was widely praised by critics, who noted Davies' "rich, warm tone" and "impressive vocal range." She went on to perform the role of Orfeo in productions at the Welsh National Opera, the English National Opera, and the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. In 1994, Davies made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, singing the role of Rosina in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville." The performance was a major success, and Davies was praised for her "sparkling coloratura" and "charming stage presence." She went on to perform at the Met in productions of Mozart's "The Magic Flute," Handel's "Rodelinda," and Verdi's "Falstaff." Davies has also been a frequent performer at the Royal Opera House in London, where she has sung roles in productions of Mozart's "Don Giovanni," Rossini's "La Cenerentola," and Britten's "The Turn of the Screw." She has also performed at the Paris Opera, the Berlin State Opera, and the Vienna State Opera, among other major venues. In addition to her work in opera, Davies is also a highly regarded concert performer. She has sung with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. She has performed under the baton of such renowned conductors as Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, and Riccardo Muti. Davies has also been the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1993, she was awarded the Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Scholarship, which is given annually to a young British singer of exceptional promise. She was also a finalist in the 1995 Cardiff Singer of the World competition, and was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Singer Award in 2000. Despite her many accomplishments, Davies remains committed to her craft and continues to seek out new challenges and opportunities. She has recently expanded her repertoire to include contemporary works, and has premiered several new pieces by leading composers such as Thomas Adès and Mark-Anthony Turnage. Throughout her career, Davies has been praised for her "rich, velvety voice," her "dramatic intensity," and her "impeccable musicianship." She has been described as one of the most exciting and versatile mezzo-sopranos of her generation, and her performances continue to captivate audiences around the world.

More....