Eva-Maria Westbroek Dutch soprano singer Date of Birth: 26.04.1970 Country: Netherlands

1. Biography of Eva-Maria Westbroek
2. Education and Early Career
3. Rising Star
4. Stuttgart Opera and International Recognition
5. International Performances and Awards
6. Metropolitan Opera Debut and Discography
7. Personal Life and Philanthropy

Biography of Eva-Maria Westbroek

Eva-Maria Westbroek is a Dutch soprano singer who achieved international acclaim for her talent and vocal abilities. She was born on April 26, 1970, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Peter Westbroek, a professor of geology.

Education and Early Career

Westbroek studied at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague from 1988 to 1995. There, she received vocal training from renowned Italian soprano Iris Adami Corradetti and American tenor James McCray. In 1994, she made her operatic debut at the Aldeburgh Festival, performing the role of Mother Marie in Francis Poulenc's "Dialogues des Carmélites."

Rising Star

In 1995, Westbroek won a prize at an international vocal competition in Rome, which led to her being cast as Tosca at the age of 25. She also received accolades from the Angelica Catalani Concours and the Santa Maria Ligure Concours. However, despite her early success, Westbroek's career faced setbacks, and she even worked as a singing waitress during this difficult period. Tragically, her mother passed away during this time.

Stuttgart Opera and International Recognition

In 2001, Westbroek signed a five-year contract with the Staatsoper Stuttgart. During her time there, she performed a wide range of leading roles in operas such as Tosca, Carlotta in Franz Schreker's "Die Gezeichneten," Emilia Marty in Leoš Janáček's "Věc Makropulos," Desdemona in Verdi's "Otello," Donna Anna in Mozart's "Don Giovanni," Juliette in Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffmann," Marie in Smetana's "The Bartered Bride," and the Duchess of Parma in Busoni's "Doktor Faust." In recognition of her exceptional talent and contributions to the opera, Westbroek was honored with the title of "Kammersängerin."

International Performances and Awards

In 2003, Westbroek made her debut at the Salzburg Festival in a concert performance of Egon Wellesz's "Die Bakchantinnen." The following year, she debuted at the Opéra Bastille as Madame Lidoine in "Dialogues des Carmélites." Her first performance at the Dutch National Opera was as Katerina Izmailova in Shostakovich's "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk," which was recorded and released on DVD. For this performance, Westbroek received the first prize from the Dutch VSCD Classical Music for the "most impressive personal artistic achievements." She reprised the role at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in October 2006.

In 2008, Westbroek was awarded the "Grand Prix Antoine Livio" from "Presse Musicale Internationale." On February 17, 2011, she participated in her first world premiere at Covent Garden, performing the role of Anna Nicole Smith in Mark-Anthony Turnage's opera "Anna Nicole."

Metropolitan Opera Debut and Discography

Westbroek made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera on April 22, 2011, as Sieglinde in Wagner's "Die Walküre." Unfortunately, due to illness, she had to interrupt her performance after the first act, and mezzo-soprano Margaret Jane Wray replaced her. Westbroek returned to the production the following week.

In addition to her numerous live performances, Westbroek has recorded several albums, including the opera "Julietta" by Bohuslav Martinů, where she sang the lead role. She has also recorded productions of "Die Walküre" and "La fanciulla del West." Westbroek has expressed that the character Minnie from "La fanciulla del West" is her favorite role.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Eva-Maria Westbroek is married to tenor Frank van Aken. She actively participates in the charitable activities of the organization "Musicians Without Borders."