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Ana Raquel SatreUruguayan opera soprano singer
Country:
 Uruguay |
Content:
- Biography of Ana Raquel Satre
- Marriage to Patrick Bashford
- An Unusual Meeting
- Early Career and European Performances
- Concert Career and Recordings
- Collaboration with Renowned Conductors
Biography of Ana Raquel Satre
Ana Raquel Satre is a Uruguayan opera singer and lyric soprano. She was born in Uruguay and studied under the French soprano Ninon Vallin at the National Conservatory in Montevideo. Satre is known for her stunning vocal range and powerful performances.
Marriage to Patrick Bashford
Satre was married to British classical guitarist Patrick Bashford, who was also a model and known as one of the most beautiful men in the United Kingdom. Bashford affectionately called her "Mimi," a nickname that stuck with her throughout their marriage. Sadly, Bashford passed away on December 21, 2011, leaving behind Satre and their son.
An Unusual Meeting
Satre and Bashford first met when she was planning to move into the same New York apartment where Bashford was living. A neighbor told the young singer that Bashford would soon vacate his bedroom, allowing her to take his place. However, when Satre arrived, Bashford was still there, fast asleep. Without hesitation, she simply told him to move over, as she only needed him to make room for her. This bold encounter led to their eventual marriage in 1962, and they spent nearly fifty years together.
Early Career and European Performances
Satre's early success came when she was chosen to sing in Domenico Cimarosa's opera "Il Matrimonio segreto" at the Montevideo Opera House. She then performed across South America, adding roles such as Euridice in Jacopo Peri's "Euridice," Fiordiligi in Mozart's "Così fan tutte," and Cleopatra in Handel's "Giulio Cesare" to her repertoire.
Satre's first European performances took place at Wigmore Hall, one of London's leading concert venues for classical and opera music. She participated in the "Voices of Tomorrow" concert series, organized by Lies Askonas. Additionally, she sang the role of Euridice in Glück's "Orfeo" at the Aix-en-Provence Festival, alongside renowned French baritone Gérard Souzay.
Satre went on to perform in Barcelona, La Fenice in Venice, La Monnaie in Brussels, and was invited by Gian Carlo Menotti to participate in festivals in Spoleto and Madrid. She also toured Australia with the Elizabethan Theatre Trust opera company, performing in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and at the Adelaide Festival, where she portrayed Donna Elvira in "Don Giovanni" and Violetta in "La traviata." Her portrayal of Violetta earned her the Opera Medal at the 1963 Harriet Cohen International Music Awards.
Concert Career and Recordings
In addition to her opera performances, Satre toured extensively as a concert performer in Great Britain. She performed at the King's Lynn Festival in the presence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and toured in Austria, France, Italy, and North America alongside Gerald Moore, a renowned accompanist. Satre recorded various roles for Decca, including Alisa in "Lucia di Lammermoor," Lola in "Cavalleria rusticana," and Emilia in "Otello" alongside Mario del Monaco and Renata Tabaldi.
Satre also appeared in a televised version of Béla Bartók's "Duke Bluebeard's Castle" as Judith, singing in both German for Stuttgart Television and English for the world premiere directed by Michael Powell.
Collaboration with Renowned Conductors
Satre worked with several esteemed conductors throughout her career, including Paul Paray, Lamberto Baldi, Tulio Serafin, George Prêtre, John Pritchard, Charles Mackerras, Eric Simon, and Herbert von Karajan. Her collaboration with these maestros elevated her performances and showcased her exceptional talent.
Currently, Satre resides in Paris, France, where she continues to live and teach.
