Jon Vickers

Outspoken and somewhat controversial, but highly acclaimed, Canadian tenor with a huge voice and a repertoire ranging from German, to English, to Italian and to French opera and song. He is the most highly acclaimed "Peter Grimes" of the last forty years. He is known not only for his beautiful and expressive voice, but for an intense ability to dig deep into whatever role he is singing in opera. His strong convictions have sometimes compelled him to highly controversial stands, such as a refusal, based on his religious and moral beliefs, to sing the title role in Wagner's "Tannhauser". His ability to bring a character to vivid life has been compared to Laurence Olivier's ability in the world of straight drama. Among his most famous roles are Peter Grimes, Tristan in "Tristan und Isolde", Siegmund in "Die Walkure", Otello in Verdi's "Otello", Florestan in "Fidelio", and Canio in "Pagliacci".