Ara Berberian
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Ara Berberian (b. Detroit, Michigan, May 14, 1930; d. Boynton Beach, Florida, February 21, 2005) was an American operatic bass singer.
Berberian made his debut in 1958 with the Turnau Opera in Woodstock, New York, as Don Magnifico in Rossini's La Cenerentola. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1979 as Zacharie in Giacomo Meyerbeer's Le prophète. He also sang with the New York City Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Michigan Opera Theatre. In all, he sang over 100 roles during his career.
Berberian was of Armenian ancestry and, in addition to his operatic repertoire, also sang and recorded music by Armenian composers such as Komitas Vardapet and Alan Hovhaness; he recorded three LP albums of the latter composer's songs.
Berberian was an active environmentalist and had a keen interest in preserving forest land and old barns. His love of the great outdoors was equaled by his love of singing opera.
[edit] External links
- Article on Berberian's former Michigan estate
- Biography at Bach-cantatas.com
- Obituary from the Associated Press
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