André Balbon (Bass) (? 1902 - ?)

He received his education primarily in Paris. Already in 1924 he appeared there at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in the premiere of the opera ‘’Les Burgraves’’ of Leo Sachs. After appearances at the theaters of the French province he was engaged in 1928 by the Opéra-Comique in Paris, where he sang till 1944. His repertoire included count Robinson in ‘’Matrimonio of segreto’’, Basilio in ‘’Il Barbiere di Siviglia’’, Colline in ‘’La Bohème’’, Angelotti in ‘’Tosca’’, Sharpless in ‘’Madama Butterfly’’, Zuniga in ‘’Carmen’’, Lothario in ‘’Mignon’’ and  Vulcain in ‘’Philémon et Baucis’’. He performed during his long career at the Opéra-Comique also in a number of opera premieres: ‘’Riquet à la Houppe’’ of G. Hüe (1928), ‘’Le Roi d'Yvetot’’ of J. Ibert (1930), ‘’Le testament de la aunt Caroline’’ of A. Roussel (1937), ‘’Esther de Carpentras’’ of Darius Milhaud (1938), ‘’Mon oncle Benjamin’’ of François Bousquet (1942). In 1935 he made guest appearance at the Covent Garden in London.

Chronology of some appearances

1924 Paris Théâtre des Champs-Elysées
1928-1944 Paris  Opéra-Comique

 RECORDINGS FOR SALE

Pathé, Paris 1929/1930
Manon (Massenet): Pardon, mais j'étais là with Vallin 2621

Pathé, Paris 1931?
Brigands (Offenbach): Trio des Marmitons with Luart & Ponzio 92011
Les deux ménétriers (Durand) 93103