Country

:

Sweden

Birth

:

May 7, 1931 in Laleå

Death

:

October 8, 2011

Genre

:

Opera

 

Ingvar Wixell was a renowned Swedish baritone who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He was born on May 7, 1931, in Luleå, Sweden, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a choir conductor, and his mother was a pianist. Wixell's love for music was evident from a young age, and he began singing in his father's choir at the age of six. Wixell's musical education began at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, where he studied under the tutelage of the famous Swedish baritone, Hjördis Schymberg. He made his operatic debut in 1955 at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm, where he played the role of Silvio in Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci." This performance marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in the world of classical music. Wixell's talent as a baritone was quickly recognized, and he was soon invited to perform at some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. In 1958, he made his debut at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera in England, where he played the role of Count Almaviva in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." This performance was a huge success, and it marked the beginning of a long association between Wixell and the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. Over the years, Wixell performed at many other opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Vienna State Opera. He was known for his powerful voice, his impeccable technique, and his ability to bring depth and emotion to his performances. One of Wixell's most memorable performances was his portrayal of the title character in Verdi's "Rigoletto." He first played this role in 1964 at the Royal Swedish Opera, and he went on to perform it at many other opera houses around the world. His interpretation of the character was widely praised for its depth and complexity, and it remains one of his most iconic performances. Wixell was also known for his performances of Scandinavian opera, particularly the works of the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. He played the role of Jokanaan in Sibelius's "The Maiden in the Tower" at the Royal Swedish Opera in 1961, and he went on to perform many other Sibelius works throughout his career. In addition to his work as an opera singer, Wixell was also a prolific concert performer. He performed in many recitals and concerts throughout his career, and he was known for his interpretations of the works of Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms. Wixell's talent as a baritone was recognized with many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1965, he was awarded the Royal Swedish Academy of Music's Litteris et Artibus medal, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in Sweden. He was also awarded the Order of the Polar Star, one of Sweden's highest honors, in 1976. Wixell retired from performing in 1997, after a long and illustrious career. He continued to be involved in the world of classical music, however, and he served as a judge for many international singing competitions. He also taught master classes and gave lectures on opera and vocal technique. Ingvar Wixell passed away on October 8, 2011, at the age of 80. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest baritones of the 20th century, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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