Kallen Esperian Armenian-American opera singer, lyric soprano Date of Birth: 08.06.1961 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Operatic Debut and Collaborations
3. International Success
4. Expanded Repertoire
5. Residency and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Callen Esperyan, an Armenian-American operatic soprano, was born on June 8, 1961, in Barrington, Illinois. Earning a degree from the University of Illinois, Esperyan entered the 1981 Luciano Pavarotti Vocal Competition in Philadelphia, performing as a mezzo-soprano. Judges from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions suggested she explore the soprano range, and she subsequently won a prestigious award at the 1985 Luciano Pavarotti Competition.

Operatic Debut and Collaborations

Esperyan made her official operatic debut in Philadelphia in April 1986 as Mimì in 'La Bohème.' A few months later, she reprised Mimì during Luciano Pavarotti's historic visit to Beijing. Her Met debut followed soon after, again as Mimì, with Placido Domingo as Rodolfo. Esperyan and Pavarotti reunited for Verdi's 'Luisa Miller,' in which she made her debut at La Scala after Katia Ricciarelli unexpectedly withdrew. Esperyan toured extensively with this opera, including a premiere performance of 'Stiffelio' with José Carreras.

International Success

Venturing to London, Esperyan performed in Tibor Rudas' 'Pavarotti Plus' at the Royal Albert Hall in May 1995. The memorable event, attended by the Princess of Wales, was recorded and released on audio and video. She debuted at the Royal Opera House shortly after, appearing in Verdi's 'Aroldo.' Esperyan opened the season at the Opéra Bastille in Paris, starring in a historic television broadcast of 'Otello.' She later sang in 'Simon Boccanegra,' which she also performed in Chicago.

Expanded Repertoire

Esperyan widened her repertoire with 'Il Trovatore' at the Met's free parks concerts, and with the Memphis Opera. She shared the stage with the Detroit and Atlanta Orchestras, with acclaimed musicians on tour in Italy, and with the legendary Robert Shaw & the City of Birmingham Symphony in England. Esperyan has also appeared in Verdi's 'Requiem' under Colin Davis and Daniel Oren.

Residency and Legacy

In 2011-2012, Esperyan served as the University of Mississippi's Artist in Residence. In this role, she led masterclasses, coached vocal students, performed on and off campus, and actively engaged with the university's opera program.