Death of an international mezzo, 79

Death of an international mezzo, 79

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norman lebrecht

April 25, 2018

Canadian media are reporting the death of Huguette Tourangeau, a gracious mezzo who won the Met national auditions in 1964 and went on to become a main-stage and recording partner of Dame Joan Sutherland.

Among many roles, she sang a filmed Carmen in Hamburg and a televised Zerlina at the Met.

She retired early, in 1980.

Comments

  • Peter Anastos says:

    The Bonynges used her extensively, giving her many opportunities. Does anyone know why they all fell out?

    • Thomas Wolf says:

      Who said they fell out? I think Huguette simply wanted to return home. I know she had suffered a very bad illness that took its toll. Otherwise I know of nothing particular that happened.

  • Andee Urovitch says:

    I was Huguette’s vocal student in the 1990s. From what I recall, she was still in touch with Joan and Richard, but chose to live a quiet life out of the spotlight back at home, with her husband.

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