Takesha Meshé Kizart facts for kids

Takesha Meshé Kizart, born in 1982, is an amazing African-American opera singer. She sings with a high voice called a soprano. Takesha is related to some very famous musicians! Her great-aunt on her mother's side was the legendary blues singer Muddy Waters. She is also a distant relative of the iconic singer Tina Turner.

Takesha Kizart's Journey in Opera

Takesha Kizart was born in the city of Chicago in 1982. She loved music and studied at two important schools. First, she went to the University of North Texas. Then, she continued her training at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia.

Her first professional performance was in Germany in 2006. She sang the role of the Duchess in an opera called Powder Her Face. This was a big moment for her career! After that, she returned to Germany many times for more opera roles and concerts.

In 2009, Takesha sang the main role in an opera by Haydn called L'isola disabitata. This was the first time this opera was performed on stage by the Gotham Chamber Opera. A year later, in 2010, she performed with Opera Australia. She sang the main character in the famous opera Tosca. Her performance was so good that she was nominated for a special award called the Helpmann Award for Best Female Performer in an Opera. Later that same year, she made her debut at the famous Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She sang the role of Musetta in the opera La bohème.

Music She Recorded

Takesha Kizart has also recorded some of her opera performances. These recordings let people listen to her beautiful voice even when she is not performing live. Here are some of the recordings she has been a part of:

• Puccini La bohème: Takesha Meshé Kizart sang the role of Mimì. Ji-Min Park sang Rodolfo. Lü Shao-chia conducted the music. This recording was released by Opera Australia on both CD and DVD.
• Ottorino Respighi: Marie Victoire: Takesha Meshé Kizart sang the main role in this opera. Michail Jurowski conducted the music. This recording was made with the Deutsche Oper Berlin and released by CPO in 2012.