Ramon Contreras

Spanish baritone (Arjona, Jaén, June 7, 1930 - Barcelona, March 2006). He studied in Barcelona and his debut took place in 1951 at the Teatro Albéniz in Madrid with the Compañía Lírica Nacional directed by Jacinto Guerrero. The same year he sang in the premiere of the posthumous work of the master Jacinto Guerrero, "El canastillo de fresas". Later he was part of the Teatro Calderón company in Barcelona and traveled to America, making his debut at the Teatro Avenida in Buenos Aires with "Luisa Fernanda" in January 1956. Since then he performed on numerous occasions in America, even with his own company. On his return to Spain he performed for several seasons at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid, touring with the company of this theater throughout the country as part of the "Festivales de España". His greatest activity was developed in Barcelona, where he lived, performing numerous times at the Gran Teatre del Liceu and Palau de la Música among others. His recording work was also important: he was contracted as exclusive artist of the American RCA Victor label for several years. In Spain he recorded several zarzuelas for Columbia.