Bass Donald Garrard, 1929-2011
Don Garrard's secure technique and warmth of vocal feeling brought him engagements around the world. In 1969 the Canadian press referred to him as “Probably, the greatest Bass ever to come from this country”.
Notes The Canadian Encyclopedia of Music in Canada:
With his commanding presence, his keen theatrical sense, and a voice both substantial and flexible Garrard [became] respected on both sides of the Atlantic for his effectiveness in the whole range of operatic roles for bass. After his 1988 performance of Verdi's Requiemwith the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, critic Peter Mose wrote "Garrard's was the voice of the wisest, ripest eminence" (Toronto Star 11 May 1988).Garrard was resident 1961-85 in England but continued to appear in Canada with the COC, in recital, and on CBC radio and TV.In 1989 he moved from Canada to South Africa where he [sang] King Heinrich in Lohengrin, Rocco in Fidelio, and Philip II in Don Carlos, appeared in concerts, and [gave] master classes. He [was] heard on the BBC, RAI (Italy) and PBS networks.”
- James Wright, General Director, Vancouver Opera
