Canada’s celebrated tenor Ben Heppner has announced he is retiring from singing. “After much consideration, I’ve decided the time has come for a new era in my life. I’m setting aside my career as an opera and concert singer,” he said Thursday (April 24).
“I’m going to be making a transition to new things,” he told CBC News Thursday morning in Toronto, adding that stepping down is a decision he has pondered for some time.
Though considered among the world’s top tenors, the Toronto-based singer has on occasion suffered from vocal strain that affected his performances or forced him to cancel engagements.
“[With his retirement], we lose one of the most generous performers: someone who has just given all of himself in a performance and that is really something that has grabbed our audience, like very few singers can,” said Alexander Neef, general director of the Canadian Opera Company, which recently featured Heppner as Tristan and Peter Grimes.
In a statement Heppner said: “I wish to thank the countless people who inspired me, supported me and encouraged me to embark on a fantastic journey over the past 35 years. A million thanks to those who hired me. Most importantly, I want to thank everyone who ever bought a ticket.”
The 58-year-old singer has won three Grammy Music Awards and three of Canada’s Juno Awards.
More information:
CBC News – Ben Heppner, star tenor, announces retirement from singing (includes video) – here
CTV News – Celebrated tenor Ben Heppner announces retirement – here
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