Vesselina Kasarova facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vesselina Kasarova
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| Веселина Кацарова | |
Vesselina Kasarova at the Offenbach Konzert in 2007
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| Born | 18 July 1965 Stara Zagora, People's Republic of Bulgaria
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| Occupation | Operatic mezzo-soprano |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Organisation | Zürich Opera House |
Vesselina Kasarova (born July 18, 1965) is a famous opera singer from Bulgaria. She is known for her powerful and beautiful voice, which is called a mezzo-soprano. This means her voice is lower than a soprano but higher than an alto.
Contents
Early Life and Music Training
Vesselina Kasarova grew up in Stara Zagora, a town in Bulgaria. She started learning piano at just four years old in 1970. Later, she went to a special school where she studied both regular subjects and music.
After many years of playing the piano, Vesselina realized she loved singing even more. In 1987, she decided to switch from piano to studying singing. She focused on the music of famous composers like Mozart and Rossini. Her first time singing on stage was in her hometown, performing a song called "Habanera" from the opera Carmen. She even sang at the Sofia National Opera while she was still a student.
Becoming an Opera Star
In 1989, while still a student, Vesselina went on a concert tour in France. A recording of her singing was sent to a very famous conductor named Herbert von Karajan. He was so impressed that he wanted to meet her right away!
Sadly, Karajan passed away shortly after their meeting. However, another important person from the Vienna State Opera heard her sing and offered her a two-year contract. At the same time, the director of the Zürich Opera also heard her and hired her for his company.
First Big Roles
After finishing her studies, Vesselina joined the Zurich Opera in 1989. Her first professional performance was in an opera called Götterdämmerung. People in Zurich quickly loved her unique voice and strong performances. She also won a singing competition called Neue Stimmen that year, which helped her get a recording contract.
In 1991, she performed at the famous Salzburg Festival in Austria. She sang in two concerts celebrating Mozart's 200th death anniversary. That same year, she started her contract at the Vienna State Opera, singing the role of Rosina in Rossini's The Barber of Seville.
International Success
Vesselina's career really took off in 1992 at the Salzburg Festival. She stepped in at the last minute to sing the main role in Rossini's opera Tancredi. Since then, she has been a regular guest at this important festival, performing in many operas by Mozart and other composers. She has also performed at other major opera festivals around the world.
Voice Development and New Roles
Vesselina Kasarova first became known for singing in Mozart's operas and works by composers like Rossini and Bellini. These are often called "bel canto" operas, which means "beautiful singing." She also became famous for "trouser roles," where a female singer plays a male character.
Around 2008, her voice started to become warmer and bigger. This allowed her to take on more dramatic roles, like the main character in Bizet's Carmen. Even as she takes on these bigger roles, she tries to keep singing her earlier "bel canto" parts to keep her voice healthy.
Other Projects
In 2003, Vesselina worked with a Bulgarian composer to create a CD called 'Bulgarian Soul'. On this album, she sings traditional Bulgarian folk songs with a choir and orchestra. She wanted people to learn about her home country. She also hosted a TV show called Vesselina Kasarova: Bulgarian Encounters, introducing Bulgaria to European audiences.
Vesselina also teaches master classes to other singers. In 2012, she published her first book, Ich singe mit Leib und Seele (which means "I Sing With Heart And Soul").
Awards and Recognition
Vesselina Kasarova has received several important awards for her singing:
- In 2003, she won "Female Singer of the Year" at the Echo Klassik awards.
- In 2005, she was named a Bavarian Kammersängerin, which is a special title for outstanding singers in Germany.
- In 2010, she received a similar honor in Austria, being named Österreichische Kammersängerin.
Recordings
Vesselina Kasarova has recorded many operas and albums. She has an exclusive recording contract with RCA Victor Red Seal. Some of her recordings include:
- Operas like The Barber of Seville, Carmen, and La clemenza di Tito.
- Albums featuring arias (songs) from different operas.
- A special album of Bulgarian folk songs called 'Bulgarian Soul'.
- Recordings of classical songs by composers like Schubert and Mahler.
TV Documentaries
Several TV documentaries have been made about Vesselina Kasarova's life and career:
- Vesselina Kasarova: Ein Portrait: Mozart ist ohne Ende (1997)
- Tell Me, Little White Cloud (about the making of her 'Bulgarian Soul' CD)
- Vesselina Kasarova: Die Kunst der Verwandlung (2005)
- Bulgarian Encounters (where she was the host)
See also
In Spanish: Vesselina Kasarova para niños
