Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

March 8, 1939 in Barry, South Wales

Death

:

March 29, 2011

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Robert Tear was a Welsh tenor and conductor who was born on March 8, 1939, in Barry, South Wales. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a choirmaster and his mother was a singer. Tear began singing in his father's choir at the age of six and later joined the choir of St. John's College, Cambridge. Tear studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff and later at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He made his professional debut in 1966 as the Evangelist in Bach's St. Matthew Passion with the English Chamber Orchestra. He quickly established himself as one of the leading tenors of his generation, known for his clear, bright voice and his ability to convey emotion through his singing. Tear's career spanned over four decades and he performed in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses and concert halls. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the works of Benjamin Britten, with whom he had a close personal and professional relationship. Tear sang the role of Peter Grimes in Britten's opera of the same name at the Royal Opera House in London in 1975, a performance that was widely acclaimed and helped to establish him as a major international artist. Tear also had a successful career as a concert singer, performing with many of the world's leading orchestras and conductors. He was particularly noted for his performances of the works of Handel, Mozart, and Schubert. He was also a champion of contemporary music and premiered many works by British composers, including Michael Tippett, Peter Maxwell Davies, and Harrison Birtwistle. In addition to his performing career, Tear was also a respected conductor and teacher. He served as the artistic director of the Welsh National Opera from 1984 to 1987 and was a professor of singing at the Royal Academy of Music from 1991 to 2004. He was also a frequent guest conductor with orchestras and opera companies around the world. Tear received many awards and honors throughout his career, including the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1984 and the Knight Bachelor in 1993. He was also awarded the Queen's Medal for Music in 2005 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to British music. Tear's final performance was in 2008, when he sang the role of the Witch in Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel at the Royal Opera House in London. He retired from performing shortly thereafter and passed away on March 29, 2011, at the age of 72. Robert Tear was a beloved and respected figure in the world of classical music, known for his beautiful voice, his passionate performances, and his dedication to the art form. He will be remembered as one of the greatest tenors of his generation and a true ambassador for British music.

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