Alfredo Kraus

Alfredo Kraus was a distinguished Spanish tenor from the Canary Islands, who was widely admired for his artistry and elegance in opera's bel canto roles. He was also considered an outstanding interpreter of the title role in Massenet's opera Werther, and especially of its famous aria, "Pourquoi me réveiller?" He began his musical career with piano lessons at the age of four, and he sang in the school choir by age eight. His older brother, Francisco Kraus Trujillo, a baritone, studied music and opera alongside him. He graduated as an industrial engineer before turning to singing as a career. He studied voice technique in Milan with Mercedes Llopart and made his professional opera debut in Cairo in 1956 as the Duke in Rigoletto, which became one of his signature roles. He sang with many of the world's leading opera houses and festivals, such as La Scala, Covent Garden, the Metropolitan Opera, the Salzburg Festival, and the Teatro Colón. He was especially acclaimed for his performances of Italian and French operas by composers such as Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, Bizet, Massenet, and Gounod. He also sang many classics from the Spanish zarzuela repertoire, which he recorded complete for EMI Spain as well as for his own label, Carillon. He was known for his refined musicianship, his impeccable technique, and his effortless high register. He sang onstage until his early 70s, preserving his vocal quality and style throughout his long career. He was also a respected teacher and mentor to many young singers. He founded the International Alfredo Kraus Singing Contest and the Alfredo Kraus International Foundation to promote and support young talents. He received many honors and awards for his artistic achievements, such as the Prince of Asturias Award for Arts in 1991 and the UNESCO Mozart Medal in 1996. He died in Madrid in 1999 at the age of 71 after a long illness. His artistic and personal legacy is celebrated in his hometown of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where an auditorium is named after him.