Marie-Nicole Lemieux

Marie-Nicole Lemieux (born June 26, 1975) is a Canadian coloratura contralto. She first came to the world's attention in 2000 when she became the first Canadian to win first prize at the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition in Belgium. Since then Lemieux has established herself as one of the finest contraltos currently singing on the classical music stage, appearing with some of the world's best orchestras and singing with many great opera companies. Lemieux is admired for possessing an unusually flexible and beautiful contralto voice that does not have the heaviness that is often associated with her particular voice type. For this reason, Lemieux has become a favorite among lovers of Baroque opera and she is noted for her portrayal of characters in the operas of Handel and Vivaldi in particular. Her voice is admired for its richness, warmth and resonance and for its expressiveness and use of many different tone colours. Lemieux is also praised by critics for the great personality she exudes on stage and for her exceptional communicative power.   Awards:     2008 - Opus Award, Concert of the Year (for « Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Encountering a Voice »)     2007 - Opus Award, Expansion Overseas (Canada)     2006 - George Solti Prize, Excellence of a Young Discographic Career (France)     2006 - Belgian Press Association, Young Soloist of the Year (Belgium)     2005 - Opus Award, Recording of the Year – Classical Musique, romantic, postromantic et impressionnist (Canada)     2005 - Victoires de la musique classique in Paris, Best Recording of the Year de l'année (France)     2003 - Opus Award, Concert of the Year 2003 in Medieval, Renaissance et Baroque music (Canada)     2003 - Juno Award, For the album « Le Requiem de Mozart » (Canada)     2001 - Opus Award, Discovery of the Year (Canada)     2001 - La Presse, Personality of the Year leased by the Montreal newspaper. (Canada)     2001 - Virginia-Parker Prize, Granted by the Canada Council for the Arts (Canada)     2000 - Queen Elisabeth Competition : First prize, Queen Fabiola's prize and Special prize of the Lied (Belgium)     2000 - Joseph-Rouleau Prize, (Premier Prix)Concours national des Jeunesses musicales du Canada (Canada)