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Ute LemperDiva and <one of the most spectacular and exotic singers>
Date of Birth: 04.07.1963
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Ute Lemper: A Versatile Artist
- Theatrical and Musical Beginnings
- Breakthrough in Musical Theater
- Solo Career and Weimar Cabaret
- Return to Musical Theater and Awards
- Expansive Discography
- Film and Television Work
- Additional Artistic Pursuits
- Legacy and Recognition
Ute Lemper: A Versatile Artist
Early Life and Musical BackgroundUte Lemper, renowned for her captivating vocals and mesmerizing stage presence, was born on July 4, 1963, in Münster, Germany, to a banker father and an opera singer mother. Despite her parents' desire for her to pursue a conventional path, Lemper's childhood was marked by a deep passion for music. From the age of nine, she studied piano, voice, and dance, yearning for a life beyond the confines of her bourgeois upbringing.
Theatrical and Musical Beginnings
Breaking away from the rigid ballet discipline, Lemper embraced the freedom of singing. She began her career at age 15, performing jazz and blues in bars. Her exploration of theater led her to the Stuttgart Municipal Theater, where she honed her acting skills in plays by Fassbinder and Chekhov. Simultaneously, she continued her musical studies in Salzburg, Cologne, and Berlin.
Breakthrough in Musical Theater
Lemper's breakthrough came in 1983 when Andrew Lloyd Webber offered her the role of Grizabella in the Viennese production of his musical "Cats." This performance showcased her exceptional vocal and acting abilities, leading to key roles in "Peter Pan" (1985) and "Cabaret" (1986), for which she won a Molière Award as Best Musical Actress.
Solo Career and Weimar Cabaret
From the late 1980s, Lemper focused on her solo career. Her homage to Kurt Weill, a German composer of the Weimar Republic, captivated audiences worldwide. She also ventured into the repertoires of Marlene Dietrich, Édith Piaf, and French chansonniers.
Return to Musical Theater and Awards
In 1997, Lemper made a triumphant return to musical theater, portraying Velma Kelly in the London revival of "Chicago." Her performance earned her a Laurence Olivier Award as Best Actress in a Musical. The production opened on Broadway in 1998 and later in Las Vegas, where Lemper shared the stage with the legendary Chita Rivera.
Expansive Discography
Lemper's prolific recording career spans over 30 albums since 1983. Her album "Ute Lemper Singt Kurt Weill" (1987) became a critical and commercial success. She has also recorded albums dedicated to Dietrich, Piaf, and Berlin cabaret music. Collaborations with composer Michael Nyman pushed her musical boundaries, exploring new and innovative sonic landscapes.
Film and Television Work
Lemper made her film debut in 1985 and has appeared in approximately 15 movies. Her notable performances include "Marie Antoinette" (1989), "The Tempest" (1998), and "Prêt-à-Porter" (1994). She has also participated in numerous television projects, including documentaries and concert specials.
Additional Artistic Pursuits
Lemper's talents extend beyond singing and acting. She has pursued her passion for choreography and performed the lead role in Maurice Béjart's ballet "La Morte Subite" (1993). She is also an avid painter, with exhibitions of her work in Paris and Hamburg. Additionally, she has published articles in prestigious newspapers and released a book, "Unzensiert" (1995).
Legacy and Recognition
Ute Lemper has captivated audiences globally, becoming a renowned performer and artist. Despite her challenges in her native Germany, she found international acclaim in Paris, Berlin, and New York City. Her versatility, vocal prowess, and captivating stage presence have cemented her status as a true legend in the world of entertainment.
