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Ninon VallinFrench opera and concert soprano singer
Date of Birth: 08.09.1886
Country:  France |
Content:
- Biography of Ninon Vallin
- Musical Education
- Difficult Beginnings
- Exceptional Career
- International Success
- Later Years
- Legacy
Biography of Ninon Vallin
Early LifeNinon Vallin was born Eugénie Vallin on September 8, 1886, in Montalieu-Vercieu, a commune in the Isère department in southeastern France. She spent her childhood in the village where her father worked as a notary, and attended a boarding school in Saint-Laurent-en-Brionnais. It was there that her musical abilities were noticed, and at the age of 10, she performed in public for the first time.
Musical Education
By the time she was 16, Vallin knew she wanted to pursue a career in music. In 1903, she was admitted to the Lyon Conservatoire, where she studied until 1906. In June of that year, she won first prize at the conservatory and gave her first concert. She also sang for composer Vincent d'Indy, who took her under his wing and sent her to Paris in early 1907. In Paris, Vallin studied lyrical declamation.
Difficult Beginnings
Vallin's career had a difficult start. It wasn't until Gabriel Pierné accepted her into the renowned Colonne Orchestra in 1909 that she began to gain recognition. Claude Debussy noticed her talent and invited her to be an understudy for Rose Féart in "Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien." When Féart backed out shortly before the premiere, Vallin stepped in and triumphed. From then on, Debussy highly regarded Vallin and supported her career. She also collaborated with other composers, including Albert Roussel, Joaquín Nin-Culmell, and Reynaldo Hahn.
Exceptional Career
Vallin's exceptional career took off when her lyrical soprano voice reached its full potential. She possessed a wide vocal range, a soft and fresh tone, and impeccable musical taste that prevented her from falling into sentimentality or exaggeration. She excelled in 45 leading roles, ranging from lyric to coloratura, dramatic soprano, and even mezzo-soprano. She made her opera debut in October 1911 at the Opéra-Comique, performing the role of Micaëla in "Carmen." Gustave Charpentier entrusted her with the lead role in his opera "Louise," followed by Mimì in Puccini's "La bohème."
International Success
During World War I, Vallin and her husband traveled to Spain and later South America, where she debuted at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. After the war, Vallin's international career took off, and she performed on major opera stages throughout Europe. In 1921, she even appeared in Soviet Russia. It wasn't until 1934 that she made her American debut at the San Francisco Opera.
Later Years
Vallin was a passionate advocate for French opera but had a diverse repertoire. She was incredibly popular in France and even starred in films. She collaborated with many leading French singers of her time, including the renowned tenor Georges Thill, with whom their voices blended divinely. However, Vallin personally did not get along with Thill. During World War II, Vallin spent the years in her home near Lyon, rarely performing. She resumed her career in 1945 and continued to perform in Paris and abroad. She retired from the stage in 1957 at the age of 67 but remained a professor at the Lyon Conservatoire.
Legacy
Ninon Vallin passed away on November 22, 1961, leaving behind an extensive discography. She made her final recordings at the age of 70, demonstrating that her voice was still in good condition. Vallin's exceptional talent and contributions to the world of opera have left a lasting legacy.
