Jan Peerce to give concert in Town Hall

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33741, 14 January 1975, Page 4

Jan Peerce to give concert in Town Hall

Jan Peerce, billed as “the greatest tenor of our time,” will give a recital in the Christchurch Town Hall on (February 12.

I It will be one of only two (concerts in New Zealand on his tour of this country and Australia. The other will be in Auckland. Jan Peerce is known in opera houses, concert halls, on television, radio, in films, and on records. His tenor voice is equally at home singing classical music or popular hits. Born in New York’s Lower East Side, of Russian and Polish parents, he studied the violin from the age of four, made his first money singing in a synagogue at’ the age of 11, then pursued his goal by earning a living as a violinist and band-leader, and taking voice lessons at night and week-ends.

His first big break was when he was hired by Radio City Music Hall, where he sang everything from Jerome Kern to Richard Wagner, and reached a national audience through Sunday afternoon broadcasts. These brought Peerce to the attention of Arturo Toscanini, and a long and close association followed. x His first opera performance was in San Francisco, where he was so impressive that he was immediately engaged

;by the Metropolitan Opera, and his memorable debut in “La Traviata” was hailed by critics. The artistry of Jan Peerce was soon recognised all over the world, and he was the first American singer to appear at the Bolshoi Opera in Moscow after World War 11. His last recital in Carnegie Hall created a sensation in the musical world. His I other engagements have included 4i months as Tevye in the Broadway production (of “Fiddler on the Roof,” a cameo role in the movie j “Goodbye, Columbus.” and television and concert appear- 1 ances throughout the United; States. Jan Peerce’s recording of “The Bluebird of Happiness” was the biggest seller made by a concert artist. He has more than 40 albums to his credit. Jan Peerce and his wife, Alice, live in New Rochelle, New York City, and have three children — Larry, a film director; Joy, a fashion designer; and Susan, a teacher.