Opera Singers - Lucienne Breval

Lucienne Bréval (1869-1935), born Bertha Agnès Lisette Schilling, was a Swiss soprano who became a naturalized French citizen, renowned for her vocal power, splendid timbre, and dramatic acting. Born in Männedorf, near Zurich, she studied at the Paris Conservatory before making her debut at the Paris Opera in 1892 in Weber's Euryanthe. A performer of a wide repertoire, she particularly shone in Wagnerian roles and in operas by Gounod, Massenet, and Reyer. She participated in several world premieres, including Fauré's Pénélope in 1913 at the Monte-Carlo Opera. She retired in 1921 to dedicate herself to teaching singing in Lausanne.