The mighty Canadian tenor who redefined Peter Grimes passes at 88.

The great Canadian heldentenor Jon Vickers has died at the age of 88 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Acclaimed for his searing portrayals and fearless approach, he was equally at home in German and Italian repertoire as well as a noted interpreter of French roles such as Don José and Aeneas. His radical, redefining performance of Peter Grimes may not have pleased Britten, but it opened the role up for a wider range of interpreters than had been previously considered. And for many who saw his Tristan, his Otello or his Siegmund, he will rank as one of the finest singing stage actors of the 20th century.

^{As Aeneas in The Trojans, Covent Garden 1950}

Vickers’ family have released the following considered and comprehensive statement via Canadian media:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Jon Vickers, after a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by one sister, his five children, 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His family and dearest friends remember him for his ringing laughter,...