Arthur Endreze American opera singer, baritone Country: USA

Biography of Arthur Endrèze

Arthur Endrèze was an American opera singer, a baritone, who was born in Chicago. He came from a mixed heritage with a German grandfather on his father's side and a French grandfather on his mother's side. Despite growing up on a farm and studying agriculture in college, it was in college that Endrèze first met Walter Damrosch, a composer who recognized his exceptional vocal abilities and advised him to develop them further.

In 1928, Arthur moved to France to join the American Academy in Fontainebleau. However, he had already made his operatic debut three years earlier at the Nice Opera House, portraying the role of Don Giovanni. While in France, Arthur became acquainted with the composer and baritone singer Reynaldo Hahn, who invited him to participate in various opera productions in Cannes and Dauville. In 1928, Endrèze made his debut at the Opéra-Comique as Karnack in Eduard Lalo's "Le Roi d'Ys." Shortly after, he appeared as Valentin in the premiere production of "Faust" at the Opéra de Paris.

Throughout his career, Endrèze had the opportunity to introduce various roles to French opera enthusiasts. Some of his notable performances include the main character in Alberic Magnard's "Guercoeur" and baritone roles in works like Henri Sauguet's "La Chartreuse de Parme." He also portrayed numerous classic baritone characters such as Iago and Hamlet, and performed as the High Priest in "Samson et Dalila" and Pollux in "Castor et Pollux." He also played Count Nevers in "Les Huguenots" and took on the roles of Mercutio and Capulet in "Roméo et Juliette."

In 1937, Endrèze participated in the debut production of Jacques Ibert and Arthur Honegger's "L'Aiglon." For almost 20 years, he was the principal baritone at the Opéra de Paris. However, when Germany occupied France, Endrèze, being an American citizen, was able to leave and return to the United States. After the war, he went back to France and continued performing.

In 1948, Endrèze relocated to his homeland and taught vocal mastery for a period of time before returning to France once again. The last years of his life were spent in Chicago. Arthur Endrèze passed away in 1975.