Bernard Lefort, a celebrated French lyric baritone, made his entry into the world on July 29, 1922, in the vibrant city of Paris, which would later serve as the backdrop for his remarkable musical odyssey.
At the tender age of innocence, he embarked upon his musical journey at the esteemed Institution Notre-Dame de Sainte-Croix, where he devoted himself to the art of music, refining his skills as a chorister within the revered college choir of the Schola, also affectionately known as the Petits chanteurs de Sainte-Croix de Neuilly.
Lefort's remarkable baritone career traversed a wide range of musical styles, with a particular emphasis on French mélodies, operetta, and opera. One of the most notable highlights of his career was his collaborative partnership with the esteemed composer Germaine Tailleferre, who penned the Concerto des vaines paroles, a piece specifically tailored to Lefort's unique vocal talents in 1956. This concerto, a testament to the composer's mastery of her craft, showcased Lefort's impressive vocal range and control, earning him widespread acclaim in the musical community.
As his career progressed, Lefort's performances took him to some of the most prestigious venues in France, including the illustrious Théâtre du Châtelet and the esteemed Paris Opera, where he thrilled audiences with his powerful and nuanced singing in the mid-1950s.
Lefort's illustrious singing career, which had garnered widespread acclaim, was tragically curtailed by unforeseen health complications towards the latter half of the 1950s. Despite this unforeseen setback, Lefort's unwavering passion for music remained unrelenting, prompting him to redirect his energies towards the realm of opera direction.
He went on to assume the role of Artistic Director at the prestigious Lausanne Festival, a position he held with distinction. This experience, coupled with his innate talent and dedication, ultimately led him to secure a coveted appointment as the director of the Opéra de Marseille, a tenure that spanned from 1965 to 1968.
Notable leadership positions held by Lefort subsequent to his initial tenure included the esteemed directorship of the Festival d'automne à Paris, a renowned cultural event that takes place annually in the City of Light. His impressive career trajectory also saw him at the helm of the Festival de Royaumont, a prestigious music festival situated in the picturesque French countryside. Moreover, Lefort's impressive administrative skills were showcased as he directed the iconic Paris Opera, a cultural institution steeped in history and tradition.
It is worth noting that Lefort's illustrious career also saw him assume the role of director of the Aix-en-Provence Festival, a position he held from 1974 to 1982. Prior to his tenure at the Aix-en-Provence Festival, Lefort's predecessor, Gabriel Dussurget, had led the organization with distinction. Under Lefort's guidance, the festival continued to thrive, showcasing an impressive array of artistic talent and cultural offerings to audiences from around the world.
