Alarie, Pierrette (1921–)

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Alarie, Pierrette (1921–)

French-Canadian soprano. Born Marguerite Alarie in Montreal, Canada, Nov 9, 1921; dau. of Sylva (choirmaster) and Amanda Alarie (soprano and actress); studied with Jeanne Maubourg, Salvator Issaurel, Albert Roberval; also studied with Elisabeth Schumann (1943–46); m. Léopold Simoneau, 1946.

Won Metropolitan Opera Auditions of the Air (1945); made Metropolitan debut (1945); with husband, engaged by Paris Opera and the Opéra Comique for 3 years (beginning 1949); appeared in opera houses throughout Europe and concertized widely in North America; won the Grand Prix du disque of the Académie Charles-Cros for recording of Mozart arias made with husband (1961); appeared in a number of opera productions made for tv; began teaching at École Vincent d'Indy (1960s). With husband, awarded the Prix de musique Calixa-Lavallée (1959); made Officer of the Order of Canada (1967).

See also Women in World History.