Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

Austria

Birth

:

April 8, 1929 in Vienna, Austria

Death

:

October 20, 2000 in Vienna, Austria

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Walter Berry was a renowned Austrian bass-baritone who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He was born on April 8, 1929, in Vienna, Austria, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a singer, which influenced his interest in music from a young age. Berry began his musical training at the Vienna Music Academy, where he studied under the guidance of Professor Josef Krips. He made his debut in 1947 at the Vienna State Opera as the Herald in Wagner's Lohengrin. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful voice and exceptional acting skills, which led to numerous engagements in various opera houses across Europe. In 1950, Berry joined the Vienna State Opera as a permanent member, where he performed in over 100 roles during his career. He was known for his versatility and ability to perform a wide range of roles, from Mozart's Figaro to Wagner's Wotan. He also performed in other major opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. One of Berry's most notable performances was his portrayal of the title role in Mozart's Don Giovanni. He performed this role over 200 times throughout his career, earning critical acclaim for his interpretation of the character. He also received praise for his performances in Wagner's Ring Cycle, particularly for his portrayal of Wotan in Die Walküre. Berry was also a prolific concert singer, performing in numerous concerts and recitals throughout his career. He was particularly known for his performances of Schubert's Winterreise and Schumann's Dichterliebe. He also collaborated with many renowned conductors, including Herbert von Karajan, Karl Böhm, and Leonard Bernstein. Throughout his career, Berry received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1966, he was awarded the title of Kammersänger by the Austrian government, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a singer in Austria. He was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1977 and the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art in 1989. Berry retired from performing in 1991, after a career that spanned over four decades. He continued to teach and mentor young singers, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians. He passed away on October 27, 2000, in Vienna, Austria, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest bass-baritones of the 20th century.

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