Collection: DAWN UPSHAW: THE MUSICAL HERITAGE SOCIETY RECORDINGS

Dawn Upshaw is a celebrated American soprano renowned for her remarkable versatility, profound artistry, and unwavering commitment to contemporary music. With a career spanning opera, orchestra concerts, recitals, and recordings, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her luminous voice, intelligent interpretations, and intimate communicative power.

Initially gaining recognition in opera, including notable appearances at the Metropolitan Opera, Upshaw quickly distinguished herself by championing the works of living composers alongside standard repertoire. She has premiered pieces by John Adams (including El Niño), Osvaldo Golijov (Ainadamar, Ayre), Kaija Saariaho, and many others, often collaborating closely with them. Her landmark 1992 recording of Henryk Górecki's Symphony No. 3 became an unexpected international bestseller, bringing contemporary classical music to a vast new audience.

Upshaw's exceptional musicianship and unique vocal quality have earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship (often called the "Genius Grant") in 2007. Beyond her performing career, she is a dedicated educator, serving as the Artistic Director of the Graduate Vocal Arts Program at the Bard College Conservatory of Music, shaping the next generation of singers.

Her focus on clarity of text, emotional honesty, and stylistic range—from Mozart and Handel to Weill and Golijov—has cemented her legacy as one of the most influential and distinctive vocal artists of her time, continually pushing the boundaries of the soprano repertoire.