role of Ferrando in Mozart's Così fan tutte opposite Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Nan Merriman, Rolando Panerai, Lisa Otto, Sesto Bruscantini, conducted by Herbert von Karajan, both considered classics. He also sang in Charles Munch's critically acclaimed 1959 recording of the Berlioz Requiem. Simoneau made his debut at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 1954, he sang there until 1961, notably in Verdi's La traviata opposite Maria Callas. His only Metropolitan Opera appearances were five performances of Don Ottavio during the 1963-64 season. Simoneau's final appearance was in Handel's Messiah in Montréal on November 24, 1970. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1971, he was promoted to Companion in 1995. Simoneau was also made a Knight of the National Order of Quebec in 1997. After retiring, Simoneau and his wife became active as teachers, notably at the Banff Centre. They also founded the Canada Piccola Opera in Victoria, British Columbia, in 1982. The couple had two daughters, Isabelle and Chantal. Léopold Simoneau died at his home on August 24, 2006, in Victoria, British Columbia, at the age of 90. Sources Le Dictionnaire des disques et des compacts, Robert Laffont. Alain Pâris, Dictionnaire des interprètes et de l'interpretation musicale au XX siècle (2 vols), Éditions Robert Laffont (Bouquins, Paris 1982, 4th edn. 1995, 5th edn 2004). D. Hamilton (ed.),The Metropolitan Opera Encyclopedia: A Complete Guide to the World of Opera (Simon and Schuster, New York 1987). Roland Mancini and Jean-Jacques Rouveroux, (orig. H. Rosenthal and J. Warrack, French edition), Guide de l’opéra, Les indispensables de la musique (Fayard, 1995). External links Léopold Simoneau at The Canadian Encyclopedia Two interviews with Léopold Simoneau and Pierrette Alarie by Bruce Duffie, May 1, 1986 and August 23, 1987 http://Leopold Simoneau and Pierrette Alarie fonds at Library and Archives Canada 1916 births 2006 deaths Canadian operatic tenors Knights of the National Order of Quebec Companions of the Order of Canada French Quebecers Singers from Quebec 20th-century Canadian male opera singers Université Laval alumni Canadian expatriates in France