Early Life and Education
Sharon Azrieli was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to David Azrieli, a Canadian architect and philanthropist, and Holocaust survivor. She moved to New York City after attending Vassar College, where she earned a degree in Art History. She also holds degrees from the Parsons School of Design, the Juilliard School, and the University of Montreal. While studying illustration, she received a Diploma in Vocal Performance from the Juilliard School. Her mentors included Joan Dornemann, Principal Prompter at the Metropolitan Opera, and Herbert Breslin.
Rise to Success
Azrieli is a successful soprano and cantor with an international career. She has performed in renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Opéra Bastille de Paris. Her career encompasses classical, operatic, and musical theatre roles. She has sung with great orchestras like the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and the Tokyo Symphony. Azrieli also founded real estate companies and invests in entertainment and intellectual property in the theatre and film industries. She is also a director of the Azrieli Group and the Azrieli Foundation.
Key Business Strategies
As a director of the Azrieli Group, she plays a role in the strategic decisions of a company primarily involved in real estate development and management, including shopping malls and office buildings. The Azrieli family, including Sharon and her sisters, owns approximately 46% of the publicly traded company. Azrieli’s business acumen extends beyond real estate, as she also has entrepreneurial ventures in entertainment and intellectual property, contributing to her diverse portfolio and wealth.
Philanthropy
Sharon Azrieli is deeply involved in philanthropy through the Azrieli Foundation, founded by her father, which supports causes like education, music, and Holocaust education. She established the Azrieli Music Prizes, which promote new Jewish, Canadian, and international music. Azrieli serves on the boards of several philanthropic organizations, including the National Arts Centre of Canada, McCord Museum, and the Canadian Vocal Arts Institute. Her work in philanthropy involves supporting the arts and cultural initiatives, reflecting her commitment to both the arts and her community.
