The Canadian-born heroic tenor was one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. He sang the most demanding roles (Tristan, Siegmund, Parsifal, Otello, Peter Grimes and more) with searing emotional intensity and dramatic interpretation, still recalled and inspiring other singers today. A complex, deeply religious and private man, he moved from small-town life in western Canada to a celebrated career on the world's major stages, retiring in 1988.
Journalist Jeannie Williams wrote a highly praised biography ("Jon Vickers: A Hero's Life", UPNE, 1999, paperback 2007) and this exhibit will offer a trove of photos, letters and other memorabilia she gathered during 10 years of research on the book.
The exhibit will include audio-visual sections (CDs, video) and the only film documentary ever made of Vickers (by Richard Bocking for the CBC). The exhibit will premiere at an important Toronto arts location, and will be designed to travel in Canada, U.S., London and more, to music venues and Wagner Society programs.
We are now seeking donations to fund this project.
Please visit Donate page.
