Barbara Hendricks

Born in Stephens, Arkansas, in 1948, Barbara Hendricks first trained in science at the University of Nebraska before studying singing at the Juilliard School in New York with Jennie Tourel. An American soprano who became a Swedish citizen, settled in Europe from the late 1970s, Barbara Hendricks established herself in the lyric, symphonic and recital repertoire, with a particular affinity for Mozart, the French repertoire, German lieder, spirituals and, later, some jazz programs. Her career took off in the early 1970s with debuts at Glyndebourne and then at several major opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Opéra de Paris, Covent Garden, the Wiener Staatsoper and La Scala. On stage, Barbara Hendricks has interpreted notably Pamina, Ilia, Susanna, Gilda, Mimì, Liù, Micaëla or Mélisande, in an approach marked by the clarity of the vocal line and a constant penchant for chamber and oratorio repertoires. Her discography, particularly abundant, includes among others Negro Spirituals in 1984, La Voix du Ciel in 1993, Tribute to Duke Ellington in 1995, Tribute to George Gershwin: It’s Wonderful in 2000 and Nordic Songs in 2002. From the late 1990s, Barbara Hendricks also develops projects at the border of classical and jazz, notably with Swedish saxophonist Magnus Lindgren, while continuing an important recital activity. Her artistic career is also accompanied by a lasting commitment to refugees and human rights.