Birth

:

October 4, 1949 in Baltimore, MD

Genre

:

Choral

 

John Aler was born on October 7, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a church choir director and his mother a pianist. Aler began singing in his church choir at a young age and later attended Morgan State University, where he studied voice. After completing his undergraduate studies, Aler went on to earn a master's degree in music from Indiana University. He then moved to Europe to further his studies, studying with renowned vocal coaches such as Pierre Bernac and Erik Werba. Aler's career as a classical music artist began to take off in the 1980s. He made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1984, singing the role of Count Almaviva in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." He went on to perform at many of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. Aler was known for his versatility as a singer, performing a wide range of repertoire from baroque to contemporary music. He was particularly acclaimed for his interpretations of Mozart, Handel, and Rossini. He also had a passion for French art song, and recorded several albums of works by composers such as Debussy, Ravel, and Fauré. Throughout his career, Aler received numerous awards and accolades for his performances. In 1988, he was awarded the Richard Tucker Award, which is given annually to an outstanding American opera singer. He was also a recipient of the National Medal of Arts, which is the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. One of Aler's most memorable performances was his portrayal of the title role in Mozart's "Idomeneo" at the Salzburg Festival in 1991. His performance was widely praised by critics, who noted his "impeccable technique" and "expressive phrasing." Aler continued to perform and record throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, but his career was cut short by health issues. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2004, which forced him to retire from performing. However, he remained active in the music community, serving as a mentor to young singers and teaching masterclasses. John Aler passed away on February 16, 2020, at the age of 70. He was remembered by his colleagues and fans as a gifted musician and a kind and generous person. His legacy lives on through his recordings and the many singers he inspired and mentored throughout his career.

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