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Maria EwingAmerican opera singer
Date of Birth: 27.03.1950
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Maria Ewing
Maria Ewing was an American opera singer, known for her performances as both a soprano and a mezzo-soprano. She was also recognized for her acting abilities. Her portrayal of Salome in Strauss' opera of the same name became her most famous and iconic role, not only for her vocal interpretation but also for a provocative detail. Traditionally, during the so-called "Dance of the Seven Veils," based on Oscar Wilde's play, the actresses would remain on stage in flesh-colored tights after removing the seventh veil, symbolizing Salome's nudity as she seduces Herod. Ewing broke this virtuous tradition by fully revealing her magnificent naked body to Herod (and the audience) for a few seconds before descending to the feet of the lascivious Jewish king.
Maria Ewing was born on March 27, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the youngest of four sisters. Her mother, Hermina Veraar, was of Dutch descent, while her father, Norman I. Ewing, had Native American Sioux, Scottish, and African American ancestry. Ewing studied vocal performance in Cleveland, Ohio, and New York City. She made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1976, in a production of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." Her first European performance was in the leading female role in Debussy's "Pelléas et Mélisande" at La Scala in Milan.
Ewing's repertoire included a wide range of roles, from the dramatic Carmen and Dorabella in Mozart's "Così fan tutte" to Salome in Richard Strauss' opera and Marie in Alban Berg's "Wozzeck." She also portrayed Rosina in "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" and Katerina in Shostakovich's "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk," as well as Dido in Henry Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas." Her discography includes video recordings of "Salome" and "Carmen" and audio recordings of "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk" and "Pelléas et Mélisande." She has also recorded concert works by Ravel, Berlioz, and Debussy, as well as several cycles of popular American music. One of her performances as Rosina in "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera is available on DVD.
In addition to her operatic career, Maria Ewing showcased her versatility by performing jazz compositions, which is highly unusual for an opera singer. She performed at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. In January and February 2011, she took on the lead role in Francis Poulenc's opera "La voix humaine" with the Dutch National Touring Opera.
Ewing was married to the English theater director Sir Peter Hall in 1982, but their marriage ended by 1990. During their eight years together, she held the title of Lady Hall. Actress Rebecca Hall is the daughter of Maria Ewing and Peter Hall.
