Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

August 22, 1878 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Death

:

April 20, 1959 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Edward Johnson was a renowned Canadian tenor and opera administrator who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on February 22, 1878, in Guelph, Ontario, Johnson was the son of a Methodist minister. He grew up in a musical family and began singing in church choirs at a young age. Johnson's love for music continued to grow, and he eventually pursued formal training in voice at the Toronto Conservatory of Music. After completing his studies, Johnson began his career as a concert singer, performing in various cities across Canada and the United States. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful voice and expressive performances, and soon became one of the most sought-after tenors of his time. Johnson's repertoire included a wide range of classical works, including operas, oratorios, and art songs. In 1912, Johnson made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, performing the role of Don Jose in Bizet's Carmen. The performance was a huge success, and Johnson quickly became a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Over the next several years, he performed in numerous productions at the Met, including La Boheme, Tosca, and Faust. In addition to his work as a performer, Johnson was also a dedicated educator and administrator. In 1922, he was appointed the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera, a position he held for 16 years. During his tenure, Johnson oversaw the production of countless operas and worked tirelessly to promote the art form to a wider audience. He also played a key role in the development of the Met's radio broadcasts, which helped to bring opera to millions of listeners around the world. Despite his busy schedule as an administrator, Johnson continued to perform regularly throughout his career. In 1935, he made his debut at the Royal Opera House in London, performing the role of Radames in Verdi's Aida. The performance was a huge success, and Johnson went on to perform in numerous productions at the Royal Opera House over the next several years. Throughout his career, Johnson received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1935, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music. He was also awarded the Canadian Centennial Medal in 1967, in recognition of his contributions to Canadian culture. Edward Johnson passed away on April 9, 1959, at the age of 81. His legacy as a performer, educator, and administrator continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers around the world.

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