Country

:

New Zealand

Birth

:

October 22, 1934 in Auckland, New Zealand

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Symphony

 

Donald McIntyre was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of opera. He was born on March 22, 1934, in Auckland, New Zealand. McIntyre was the youngest of four children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer. McIntyre's love for music was evident from a young age, and he began singing in the church choir at the age of six. McIntyre's formal music education began at the University of Auckland, where he studied under the tutelage of Dame Sister Mary Leo, a renowned voice teacher. He later moved to London to continue his studies at the Royal College of Music. McIntyre's talent was quickly recognized, and he won several awards, including the Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Scholarship and the Royal Philharmonic Society's Gold Medal. McIntyre made his professional debut in 1960 at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, where he played the role of Colline in Puccini's La bohème. He quickly established himself as a leading bass-baritone and went on to perform in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Paris Opera. One of McIntyre's most notable performances was his portrayal of Wotan in Wagner's Ring Cycle. He first played the role in 1970 at the Royal Opera House, and it became one of his signature roles. McIntyre's powerful voice and commanding stage presence made him the perfect fit for the complex character of Wotan. He went on to perform the role in many productions around the world, including at the Bayreuth Festival in Germany. McIntyre also had a successful career as a concert singer, performing with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He was particularly renowned for his performances of Mahler's symphonies, and his recording of Mahler's Eighth Symphony with the London Symphony Orchestra is considered a classic. Throughout his career, McIntyre received numerous awards and accolades. In 1977, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to music. He was also awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1995 and was made a Knight Bachelor in 1999. McIntyre retired from performing in 1999 but continued to be involved in the music world as a teacher and mentor. He taught at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and was a visiting professor at the University of Auckland. He also served as a judge for several international singing competitions. Donald McIntyre passed away on March 23, 2015, at the age of 81. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest bass-baritones of his generation. McIntyre's powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and dedication to his craft made him a beloved figure in the world of opera and classical music.

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