Vesselina Kasarova Bulgarian opera singer, mezzo-soprano Date of Birth: 18.07.1965 Country: Bulgaria

1. Biography of Vesselina Kasarova
2. Vocal Training and Early Career
3. Rise to Fame
4. Expanded Repertoire and Collaborations
5. Awards and Recognition
6. A True Star in Modern Opera

Biography of Vesselina Kasarova

Vesselina Kasarova, a Bulgarian opera singer and mezzo-soprano, was born in 1965 in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. Growing up under a communist regime, she learned Russian as a second language and began studying music at a young age. At the age of 4, she had her first piano lesson, and by the time she was 16, she was already giving concerts in her hometown, performing Mozart sonatas.

Vocal Training and Early Career

Despite her success as a pianist and accompanist, Kasarova decided to further her education and focus on her voice. She enrolled in Sofia's Music Academy, where she specialized in vocal training and dedicated herself to the repertoire of Mozart and Rossini. In Stara Zagora, she had her first performance as a singer, performing the aria "Habanera" from Bizet's opera Carmen. While still a student, Kasarova made her debut on the stage of the Sofia National Opera.

Rise to Fame

In 1989, the relatively unknown conservatory student made a breakthrough in the opera world by winning the "Neue Stimmen" competition in Germany. This victory led to numerous debuts in major European opera houses. Kasarova's performances were praised for their brightness and expressiveness, and her voice was described as possessing deep mezzo timbres that were incredibly beautiful and emotional.

Expanded Repertoire and Collaborations

Kasarova's initial specialization in Mozart and the bel canto masters such as Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti expanded to include works by Gluck, Handel, Monteverdi, and many other classical baroque composers. She has performed notable roles such as Agrippina in Handel's opera of the same name, Angelina in Rossini's La Cenerentola, the lead role in Bizet's Carmen, Isabella in Rossini's L'italiana in Algeri, Leonora in Donizetti's La Favorite, Marina in Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov, Octavian in Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier, Penelope in Monteverdi's Il ritorno d'Ulisse in Patria, and many others.

Awards and Recognition

In 2003, Kasarova collaborated with Bulgarian composer Krassimir Kyurkchiyski, resulting in the release of the CD "Bulgarian Soul." She has also performed with the ensembles "Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria" and the Sofia Soloists Orchestra. In the same year, she won the German ECHO Award for "Best Female Singer of the Year," and in 2005, she received the Merkur Preis. In 2009, she was named the Bavarian Chamber Singer (Bayerische Kammersängerin), and in April 2010, she was recognized as an Austrian Chamber Singer (Österreichische Kammersängerin).

A True Star in Modern Opera

Vesselina Kasarova is one of the brightest talents in contemporary opera. Her magnificent mezzo-soprano voice, with its incredibly rich nuances, has made her a true star in the world of modern opera.