Maureen Forrester is a famous Canadian contralto singer. The phonetic transcription of her name using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /mɒˈɹin fəˈɹɛstər/. The first syllable "mau" is pronounced as "maw" with a short "o" sound, and the second syllable "reen" is pronounced as "reen" with a long "e" sound. The last name "Forrester" is pronounced with two syllables, "for" with a short "o" sound, and "rester" with a schwa sound.
Maureen Forrester (1930-2010) was a Canadian contralto, renowned for her powerful and velvety voice. She was a highly acclaimed and internationally recognized opera singer, as well as a renowned concert and recital artist.
Born on July 25, 1930, in Montreal, Canada, Forrester displayed exceptional talent from a young age. She studied music at the Montreal Conservatory and later at the Juilliard School of Music in New York.
Forrester made her professional debut in 1953, performing as a principal contralto with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. Her rich and resonant voice, combined with her superb musicianship and dramatic interpretation, quickly earned her prominence on the international stage. She performed leading roles in various opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London.
Beyond her operatic achievements, Forrester possessed a remarkable versatility that allowed her to successfully navigate various genres of music. She garnered equal acclaim for her interpretations of lieder, art songs, oratorios, and symphonic works. Her deep and expressive voice, coupled with her interpretive skills, made her a sought-after concert artist and a favorite among music lovers.
In addition to her vocal prowess, Forrester was widely admired for her warm and charismatic stage presence, as well as her commitment to using her talent to support charitable causes. Over her illustrious career, she received numerous prestigious honors and awards, including the Companion of the Order of Canada, one of Canada's highest civilian honors.
Maureen Forrester's profound impact on the world of classical music, both as a performer and as a philanthropist, cemented her status as one of the greatest contraltos of her era. Her contributions
The name "Maureen Forrester" is not derived from any particular etymology as it is a combination of a given name and a surname.
"Maureen" is an anglicized form of the Irish name "Máirín" which is the diminutive of "Máire", the Irish form of the name "Mary". "Máire" ultimately comes from the Hebrew name "Miriam" meaning "wished for child" or "rebellion".
"Forrester" is a Scottish and English surname derived from the Middle English word "forester", which referred to someone who lived or worked in a forest, overseeing its management or hunting. The word itself comes from the Old French "fo(u)rest(i)er", which has its roots in the Latin word "forestis", meaning "pertaining to the outside" or "not within the city walls".