Country

:

Switzerland

Birth

:

July 8, 1919 in Davos, Switzerland

Death

:

March 17, 2007 in Davos, Switzerland

Genre

:

Choral

 

Ernst Haefliger was a Swiss tenor and conductor who was born on July 6, 1919, in Davos, Switzerland. He was the son of a pastor and grew up in a musical family. His father was a singer and his mother played the piano. Haefliger began singing in the church choir at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Haefliger studied at the Zurich Conservatory and later at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. He made his debut as a tenor in 1940 in Zurich, singing the role of the Evangelist in Bach's St. Matthew Passion. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented singer and was soon performing in major opera houses and concert halls throughout Europe. One of Haefliger's most notable performances was in 1948, when he sang the role of the Evangelist in Bach's St. Matthew Passion at the Edinburgh Festival. The performance was a huge success and helped to establish Haefliger as one of the leading tenors of his time. Haefliger was also known for his performances of Mozart's operas. He sang the role of Don Ottavio in Mozart's Don Giovanni at the Salzburg Festival in 1953, and later performed the role of Tamino in Mozart's The Magic Flute at the Glyndebourne Festival in 1957. In addition to his work as a singer, Haefliger was also a respected conductor. He conducted the Zurich Chamber Orchestra from 1951 to 1961 and later served as the principal conductor of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra from 1960 to 1963. Haefliger received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1956, he was awarded the Mozart Medal by the Mozart Society of Vienna for his contributions to the performance of Mozart's music. He was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1979 for his contributions to German culture. Haefliger continued to perform and conduct well into his later years. He gave his final performance as a singer in 1986, singing the role of the Evangelist in Bach's St. Matthew Passion in Zurich. He continued to conduct and teach until his death on March 17, 2007, at the age of 87. Ernst Haefliger was a talented and versatile musician who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His performances as a tenor and his work as a conductor helped to establish him as one of the leading figures in the field. His legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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