Léopold Simoneau 列奥波尔德·西莫诺

Léopold Simoneau,CCCQ(May 3, 1916 – August 24, 2006) was aFrench-Canadianlyric tenor, one of the outstandingMozarteansof his time. In 1959 he became the first recipient of theCalixa-Lavallée Award.

Life and career

Simoneau was born inSaint-Flavien, Quebec, and started his vocal studies inQuebec Cityat Levis College andUniversité Laval. While studying inMontrealwith Salvator Issaurel, he made his professional debut withLes Variétés Lyriquesin Montréal in 1941.

He then left for New York City for complementary studies withPaul Althouse. In 1946 he appeared at theNew York City Centeras Lionel inMartha. That same year he married French-CanadiansopranoPierrette Alarie.Together they left for France.

Simoneau made his debut in 1949 at theOpéra-Comiqueof Paris as Vincent inGounod's operaMireilleand at theParis Operaas Tamino inDie Zauberflöte. He made his debut at theAix-en-Provence Festivalin 1950 singing Ottavio inDon Giovanniand Ferrando inCosì fan tutte. The following year, 1951, he made his debut at theGlyndebourne Festivalas Idamante inIdomeneo. His performances at these two festivals quickly established him as the outstanding Mozartian tenor of his time. He was invited to sing at theSalzburg Festivaland theEdinburgh Festival, at theVienna State Operaand atLa ScalainMilan, while pursuing his career in France, in roles such as Nadir inLes pêcheurs de perles, Gérald inLakmé. He took part in the revival of opera such asRameau'sLes Indes galantesand Orphée in the French version for tenor ofGluck'sOrfeo ed Euridice. In France he was frequently singing opposite his wife, who was a light lyriccoloraturasoprano excelling in the same repertoire as her husband.

In the 1950s he made several famous recordings, including one of theMozart RequiemwithBruno Walterconducting. He also participated in two celebrated recordings withPhilips Records,George Bizet'sLes pêcheurs de perlesconducted byJean Fournet, andChristoph Willibald Gluck'sOrphée et Euridyceconducted byHans Rosbaud, in which he gave what some critics feel are the definitive performances of the roles of Nadir and Orphée. Simoneau also sang the role of Belmonte in SirThomas Beecham's recording of Mozart'sThe Abduction from the Seraglio, and the role of Ferrando in Mozart'sCosì fan tutteoppositeElisabeth Schwarzkopf,Nan Merriman,Rolando Panerai,Lisa Otto,Sesto Bruscantini, conducted byHerbert von Karajan, both considered classics.

Simoneau made his debut at theLyric Opera of Chicagoin 1954, he sang there until 1961, notably inLa traviataoppositeMaria Callas. His onlyMetropolitan Operaappearances were five performances of Don Ottavio during the 1963-64 season.

Simoneau's final appearance was inHandel'sMessiahin Montréal on November 24, 1970. He was made an Officer of theOrder of Canadain 1971, he was promoted to Companion in 1995. Simoneau was also made a Knight of theNational Order of Quebecin 1997.

After retiring, Simoneau and his wife became active as teachers, notably at theBanff Centre. They also founded theCanada Piccola OperainVictoria, British Columbiain 1982. He and his wife had two daughters, Isabelle and Chantal.

Léopold Simoneau died at his home on August 24, 2006, in Victoria, BC at the age of 90.

From：https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Léopold_Simoneau