Narantsetseg Ren
Mezzo-Soprano
Transformative Elegance:
The Operatic Voice That Enchants and Inspires
International award-winning mezzo-soprano Narantsetseg Ren has enchanted audiences worldwide with performances that embody the rich tapestry of human emotion and the boundless landscapes of her homeland, the vast grassland of Mongolia, where singing is life. Her career has seen her grace stages as a distinguished soloist and a vital component of ensemble productions, spanning operas, oratorios, chamber music, and art song recitals. Critics have lauded Narantsetseg for her "capable and musical" prowess, describing her mezzo-soprano as a harmonious blend of chiaroscuro - richly textured, with an emerging ease, flexibility, and agility.
In the opera world, Narantsetseg has already captivated audiences with her performances, including her role as the Third Spirit and cover for the Third Lady in MassOpera's celebrated 2023 production of The Magic Flute. This followed her compelling portrayal of Mercury in Bach's Phoebus and Pan (BWV 201) under the baton of Maestro Ryan Turner. Her operatic journey boasts acclaimed performances as Flora in La Traviata, Tisbe in La Cenerentola, and Teresa in La Sonnambula at the Mediterranean Opera Festival in Sicily, Italy, under the distinguished baton of Maestro Leonardo Catalanotto. She also shone as Cornelia in Giulio Cesare in Egitto at the Saluzzo Opera Academy in Saluzzo, Italy, under Maestro Dominic Wheeler.
Fresh from her stellar performance as the mezzo-soprano soloist in Tahoe Symphony's production of Handel’s Messiah, Narantsetseg’s upcoming engagements are eagerly awaited. She will portray Mama Lucia in Cavalleria Rusticana with Modern Vintage Opera in Connecticut, followed by her return to the Saluzzo Opera Academy as Zerlina in Don Giovanni under the prestigious baton of Maestra Carmen Santoro.
Behold the Guardian of Melodies:
A Classical Singer Rekindling the World's Musical Legacy
Hailing from the majestic expanse of Mongolia's grasslands, Narantsetseg seamlessly weaves her passions for ethnomusicology and cultural diplomacy, using music as a bridge between worlds. Among her accolades is a celebrated performance at the Ukrainian Art Song Concert in Toronto's Telus Performance Center, where she earned high praise from Opera Canada's associate editor, Joseph So, who noted her performance with a "soft spot" (Ludwig Van Toronto). In 2024, she was honored with the Annual Music Award for founding the Boston Mongolian Artsong Ensemble and her dedication to preserving and sharing Mongolian art songs through her stellar classical performances. Looking ahead to 2025, Narantsetseg will release the world's first-ever Mongolian Artsong album featuring classical music arrangements, marking a groundbreaking milestone in preserving this rich cultural heritage.
Through her world music concert series, Narantsetseg has become a vital force in safeguarding classical art songs, harnessing the transformative power of her voice to bridge cultural divides and illuminate our shared humanity. As she continues to share her artistry with the world, Narantsetseg stands as a beacon of hope and unity, proving that music has the power to inspire the soul and weave a tapestry of connections across the vast expanse of human musical and cultural heritage.
Narantsetseg has had the privilege of studying with renowned voice teacher Jack Livigni, vocal coach Maestra Carmen Santoro, and conductor Maestro Kamal Khan, all celebrated for mentoring world-class opera talents. Their combined expertise has been pivotal in refining her vocal technique and artistry, positioning her for continued growth and success in the operatic world.
Click here to learn more about the Boston Mongolian Artsong Ensemble.
A World-Class Scholar:
Groundbreaking Research in Music and Brain
Standing at the forefront of excellence in arts, Narantsetseg is also an internationally recognized scholar in speech and music perception (Ph.D., Brown University). Her groundbreaking research into how infants perceive music and speech makes her a notable figure in developmental cognitive neuroscience.
Currently a faculty member at the Longy School of Music of Bard College, she teaches the innovative Music and Brain course. This course has gained acclaim for its interdisciplinary approach, merging music education with cognitive neuroscience and highlighting music's profound impact on the brain.
Known in academia under her pseudonym "Jie Ren," Narantsetseg has published in leading journals, establishing her as a pivotal figure in music and brain research. She has also spoken at premier academic conferences worldwide, further amplifying her influence in these specialized areas.
Narantsetseg also actively engages in academia as an editor, reviewer, and organizer for esteemed science journals and conferences. This involvement showcases her commitment to advancing her field and cements her status as a key innovator at the intersection of music and human development.
Handel - Verdi Prati
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Upcoming Performances in the 2024-2025 Season
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming concert at the New England Conservatory on May 8th, 2025 speaks volumes about the impact of Narantsetseg's work. This event is set to be a pinnacle of musical excellence, bringing together an eclectic repertoire that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road. The concert will feature an array of compositions that draw inspiration from the historical trade routes, offering audiences a sonic journey through time and space.
Following this performance, Narantsetseg will continue to enchant with a series of intimate concerts in Ragusa, Sicily, a location whose UNESCO-protected Baroque architecture provides the perfect backdrop for the evocative melodies of the Silk Road. These performances are not mere concerts but immersive experiences that invite attendees to engage with the narratives and emotions embedded within the music. Tickets upon request at manager@narenmusic.org