Jon Vickers

Jonathan Stewart Vickers, CC (born October 29, 1926), known professionally as Jon Vickers, is a retired Canadian heldentenor. Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, he was the fourth of eight children. His father was an itinerate preacher and school principal. He had the good fortune to be overlooked early in his career and was able to develop without the pressure to over perform. One of the best actors and interpreters of roles on the operatic stage. In 1950, he was awarded a scholarship to study opera at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. In 1957 Vickers joined London’s Royal Opera House, Covent Garden company. In 1960 he joined the Metropolitan Opera. He became world famous for a wide range of German, French and Italian roles. Vickers' huge, powerful voice and solid technique met the demands of many French, German and Italian roles. He was also highly regarded for his powerful stage presence and thoughtful characterizations. In 1968 he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.