Country

:

France

Birth

:

April 17, 1914 in Toulouse, France

Death

:

October 18, 1976 in Paris, France

Genre

:

Opera

 

Janine Micheau was a French soprano who was born on April 17, 1914, in Toulouse, France. She was the daughter of a music teacher and began her musical training at a young age. She studied at the Toulouse Conservatory and later at the Paris Conservatory, where she won first prize in singing in 1932. Micheau made her professional debut in 1935 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, where she sang the role of Micaëla in Bizet's Carmen. She quickly gained recognition for her clear, pure voice and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. She became a regular performer at the Opéra-Comique and also appeared at other major opera houses in France, including the Paris Opera and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. One of Micheau's most notable performances was in the role of Lakmé in Delibes' opera of the same name. She first performed the role in 1943 at the Opéra-Comique and went on to perform it many times throughout her career. Her interpretation of the role was praised for its delicacy and beauty, and it became one of her signature roles. Micheau also had a successful career as a concert singer. She performed in recitals throughout Europe and the United States, and she was known for her interpretations of French art songs. She recorded many of these songs, as well as operatic arias, for various record labels. In addition to her performances, Micheau was also a respected voice teacher. She taught at the Paris Conservatory and at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, and many of her students went on to have successful careers as singers. Micheau received many honors and awards throughout her career. In 1953, she was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, one of France's highest honors. She was also awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for her recordings of French art songs. In 1961, she was awarded the title of Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres, another prestigious French honor. Micheau retired from performing in 1974, but she continued to teach until her death in 1976. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest French sopranos of the 20th century, known for her pure, clear voice and her ability to convey emotion through her singing.

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