Narantsetseg Ren
Mezzo-Soprano
Narantsetseg has had the privilege of working under the tutelage of Jack Livigni, her voice teacher, who is renowned for cultivating many world-class stage pillars in the current opera stage. LiVigni's adept guidance has been crucial in refining Narantsetseg's vocal technique and artistic expression, placing her among the elite talents nurtured for contemporary operatic success. Naratsetseg has been working closely with Maestro Kamal Khan, who has lent his extensive expertise as a conductor and coach, notably in his long-standing role as a conductor with Domingo's Operalia Voice Competition. Under the guidance of both Khan and LiVigni, Narantsetseg benefits from a wealth of knowledge and support, ensuring her continued growth and impact on the operatic world.
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.
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.
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In the Opera World, she has already graced the stage in Mass Opera's celebrated production of "The Magic Flute," where she shone as the third spirit and covered the role of the third lady in 2023 after her compelling portrayal of Mercury in Bach's "Phoebus and Pan" (BWV 201) under the baton of Maestro Ryan Turner. Additionally, her operatic journey has been marked by celebrated performances as Tisbe in "La Cenerentola" and as Flora in "La Traviata," both showcased at the Mediterranean Opera and Festival in Sicily, Italy, under the distinguished baton of Maestro Leonardo Catalanotto. Narantsetseg's upcoming engagement is eagerly anticipated, as she will take on the role of Cornelia in "Giulio Cesare" under the esteemed direction of Maestro Peter Leonard.
Behold the Guardian of Melodies:
A Classical Singer Rekindling the World's Musical Legacy
Hailing from the majestic expanse of Mongolia's grasslands, Narantsetseg's dedication to the Silk Road concert series encapsulates her commitment to ethnomusicology and cultural diplomacy, showcasing her ability to bridge worlds through music. Among her accolades is a celebrated performance at the Ukrainian Art Song Concert in the Telus Performance Center in Toronto, where she earned the admiration of Opera Canada's associate editor, Joseph So, who acknowledged that Narantsetseg’s performance has a soft spot' (Ludwig Van Toronto).
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Her performances, in which she collaborates closely with musicians from Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble, testify to the power of artistic collaboration in transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. Together, they blend various musical genres and traditions and champion a mission to initiate a global dialogue, using music as a universal language that fosters understanding and connectivity among diverse cultures. Her commitment to this mission underscores her vision of a world where music transcends barriers, bringing people closer in a harmonious symphony of diverse voices.
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Through her Silk Road concert series, Narantsetseg’s dedication to this cause has established her as a pivotal figure in protecting and preserving classical art songs, one who harnesses the power of her voice to bridge cultural divides and illuminate the shared humanity that music unveils. As she continues to share her gift with the world, Narantsetseg remains a luminous beacon of hope and unity, proving that music, indeed, has the power to kindle the soul and weave a tapestry of connections across the vast expanse of the Silk Road and beyond.
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Upcoming Performances in the 2024-2025 Season
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The anticipation surrounding the upcoming concert at the New England Conservatory on June 8th 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.
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1. June 8th, Romance on the Silk Road, Williams Hall, New England Conservatory, 298 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
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2. July 5- 11th, Love Stories in Sicily, Mini Concert Series, Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
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3. August 1st - 27th, Giulio Cesare in Egitto, Saluzzo Opera, Saluzzo Italy
Tickets upon request at manager@narenmusic.org​
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