Death

:

December 27, 2010

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Maureen Lehane was a renowned classical music artist, known for her exceptional contralto voice and her contributions to the world of music. Born on October 23, 1928, in London, England, Lehane grew up in a family that was passionate about music. Her father was a keen amateur musician, and her mother was a singer. Lehane's love for music was evident from a young age, and she began singing in choirs and performing in school plays. Lehane's talent was recognized early on, and she was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London. She studied under the tutelage of renowned vocal coach Roy Henderson, who had also taught famous singers such as Kathleen Ferrier and Joan Sutherland. Under Henderson's guidance, Lehane honed her skills and developed her unique voice. Lehane's career as a professional singer began in the early 1950s, and she quickly gained recognition for her exceptional talent. She made her debut at the Royal Opera House in London in 1953, where she performed the role of the Third Lady in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Her performance was well-received, and she went on to perform in several other productions at the Royal Opera House. Lehane's talent was not limited to opera, and she was equally adept at performing in recitals and concerts. She was particularly known for her performances of English art songs, and she worked closely with composers such as Benjamin Britten and Michael Tippett. She also performed in several concerts with the English Chamber Orchestra, and her performances were highly acclaimed. One of Lehane's most significant contributions to the world of music was her work as a champion of contemporary music. She was passionate about promoting new works by young composers, and she worked closely with several composers to commission new pieces. She premiered several new works, including Tippett's "A Child of Our Time" and Britten's "The Turn of the Screw." Lehane's talent and contributions to the world of music were recognized with several awards and honors. In 1961, she was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Gold Medal, which is one of the highest honors in the world of classical music. She was also awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1985 for her services to music. Lehane's career as a performer spanned several decades, and she continued to perform well into her 70s. She retired from performing in 2000, but she remained active in the world of music. She served as a trustee of the Britten-Pears Foundation and was a patron of several music organizations. Lehane's legacy in the world of music is significant, and her contributions to the world of classical music continue to be celebrated. She was a talented performer, a champion of contemporary music, and a passionate advocate for the arts. Her life and career serve as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and music lovers around the world.

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