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Ticho ParlyDanish opera singer, heldentenor
Date of Birth: 16.07.1928
Country:  USA |
Content:
Tico Parlyu: Danish Opera Singer
Tico Parlyu was a Danish opera singer and heldentenor. He began his singing career as a tenor in Denmark, but his voice later transformed into a bass-baritone. After studying in France, Italy, Switzerland, and completing his education at Indiana University, Parlyu moved to New Orleans, where he lived from 1957 to 1960. It was in New Orleans that he studied under Charles Paddock, who convinced him to return to singing as a tenor.
Early Career
In 1958, Parlyu made his professional debut at the New Orleans Opera Association, performing in the premiere of "Turandot". The following year, he sang the role of Flavio in "Norma" and also received a role in the opera "Nacht in Venedig". For several months, Parlyu became a star in continental theaters, including Aachen, where he performed the role of Radames in "Aida". During the early 1960s, Parlyu gained recognition as one of the world's leading heldentenors. He appeared in Maurice Béjart's production of "Les contes d'Hoffmann" in Brussels, as Mephisto in "Doktor Faust" in Wuppertal, and in "Die Frau ohne Schatten" and "Salome" in Lisbon.
Bayreuth and Salzburg
In the summer of 1963, Parlyu made his debut at the Bayreuth Festival in a new production of "Die Meistersinger". Two years later, he received applause from the audience at the Salzburg Festival. In 1960, Parlyu performed at the San Francisco Opera in a production of "Die Frau ohne Schatten". In Copenhagen, his hometown, he appeared in "Fidelio" and "Der fliegende Holländer" in 1963, "Tannhäuser" in 1964, "Elektra" in 1966, and "Boris Godunov" in 1988. During the mid-1960s, Parlyu performed again in New Orleans and was invited to Mexico City, where he shared the stage with Montserrat Caballé.
Later Career and Personal Life
In 1966, Parlyu recorded a Wagner repertoire album for Deutsche Grammophon and made his debut at the Royal Opera House in London. The same year, he discovered the famous Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. 1966 was a productive year for Parlyu both professionally and personally. He celebrated the birth of his daughter, Tina, and also performed the role of Tristan in "Tristan und Isolde" at the Metropolitan Opera, alongside Birgit Nilsson as Isolde. In subsequent years, he performed in "Der fliegende Holländer" and "Elektra" at the Metropolitan Opera, and made his debut at Teatro alla Scala in 1967 with "Salome".
Parlyu continued to perform until the late 1980s and then transitioned into teaching in Seattle. He passed away on June 21, 1993, in Seattle at the age of 64. Sadly, his daughter Tina also passed away shortly after him on July 7 of the same year while rafting in Northern California. At the time of his death, Parlyu was married to his second wife, soprano Patricia Schlosstein.
