Gabriel Bacquier, a celebrated French operatic baritone, entered the world on May 17, 1924, in the charming city of Béziers, France, where his parents, both railway employees, lovingly raised him as their only child.
After completing his formal education at the tender age of 14, Bacquier embarked on a professional journey, securing a position at his uncle's esteemed print-shop, where he concurrently pursued his passion for commercial art studies in the vibrant city of Montpellier.
However, as the Vichy regime took hold, Bacquier's parents, driven by a desire to protect their son from the dangers of persecution, took the pragmatic decision to arrange for him to serve his national service in the Chantiers de Jeunesse, a youth organization focused on railway development, thus ensuring his safety and avoiding any potential harm.
As a teenager, Bacquier dedicated a significant portion of his spare time to taking voice lessons under the guidance of the esteemed Madame Bastard, laying the foundation for a future career in opera.
It was during the tumultuous period of World War II that Bacquier made his operatic debut, taking on the role of Ourrias in Gounod's Mireille, a performance that showcased his burgeoning talent in the town arena.
Following the war, Bacquier furthered his education by enrolling in the prestigious Paris Conservatoire, where he diligently pursued his studies and eventually graduated in 1950, his academic achievements a testament to his family's humble financial situation, as he had received a scholarship to support his endeavors.
Bacquier, a renowned vocalist of his era, shared the stage with an illustrious array of French singers, including the iconic Régine Crespin, Xavier Depraz, the talented Michel Sénéchal, and the accomplished Michel Roux.
As his final year approached, he was granted the opportunity to hone his craft at the prestigious Opéra de Nice, where he took on minor roles in both operas and operettas, thereby acquiring invaluable experience and a welcome source of income.
Notably, prior to embarking on a distinguished career, Bacquier had already achieved notable success, having claimed the top prize for opéra comique, a testament to his exceptional vocal talents. Furthermore, upon completing his formal education, he went on to secure first prize for singing and a commendable second prize for opera, a remarkable feat that demonstrated his remarkable skill and artistry. Additionally, during this period, Bacquier also took the opportunity to hone his craft by pursuing a course in dramatic art, a decision that would undoubtedly serve him well in his future performances.
Bacquier embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of opera, commencing his tenure with the esteemed opera company of José Beckmans in the year 1950. Subsequently, he joined the prestigious ranks of La Monnaie in Brussels, where he remained a valued member from 1953 until 1956. During his time with the company, he made a memorable debut in the title role of Rossini's iconic, opera Il barbiere di Siviglia. As a versatile singer, Bacquier also showcased his expertise in the French repertoire, which encompassed both opera and operetta. His impressive vocal range and skill allowed him to bring to life the characters in Puccini's La bohème and Madama Butterfly, as well as Smetana's The Bartered Bride.
As a young and ambitious artist, Bacquier's journey took a significant turn when he crossed paths with renowned French soprano Martha Angelici during his tenure at the esteemed Monnaie. Angelici, with her keen eye for talent, encouraged Bacquier to audition for the prestigious Paris Opera, which ultimately accepted him into its ranks. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a long-term affiliation with the Opéra-Comique and the Paris Opera, providing Bacquier with the platform to hone his craft and build a reputation as a leading figure in the world of opera. Subsequently, he went on to establish a successful international career, gracing the stages of prominent opera houses across Europe and the United States.
