Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 3, 1904 in New York City, NY

Death

:

December 15, 1984 in New Rochelle, NY

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Jan Peerce was a renowned American tenor who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He was born on June 3, 1904, in New York City, to a Jewish family of immigrants from Russia. His birth name was Jacob Pincus Perelmuth, but he later changed it to Jan Peerce, which was a combination of his first name and his mother's maiden name. Peerce grew up in a musical family, and his father was a cantor in a synagogue. He began singing at a young age and received formal training in music at the DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. He later studied at the Columbia University School of Architecture but dropped out to pursue a career in music. Peerce made his professional debut in 1932, singing the role of the Duke in Verdi's Rigoletto at the Philadelphia Opera. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful voice and expressive singing style, and he soon became a sought-after performer in the United States and Europe. One of Peerce's most significant achievements was his long association with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He made his debut at the Met in 1941, singing the role of Alfredo in Verdi's La Traviata. He went on to perform in over 300 performances at the Met, singing a wide range of roles in operas by composers such as Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, and Wagner. Peerce was known for his ability to convey emotion through his singing, and he was particularly admired for his performances of Jewish music. He recorded several albums of Jewish songs, including "Kol Nidre," which became one of his most popular recordings. In addition to his work at the Met, Peerce also performed with other major opera companies, including the San Francisco Opera, the Chicago Lyric Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. He also appeared in concerts and recitals throughout the world, and he was a frequent guest on radio and television programs. Peerce received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Medal of Arts in 1984. He was also inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Museum of American Jewish History. Peerce continued to perform well into his 80s, and he remained an active advocate for classical music until his death on December 15, 1984, at the age of 80. He left behind a legacy of exceptional performances and recordings that continue to inspire and delight audiences today.

More....