Liliane Berton

Liliane Berton was a beloved French soprano, particularly known for her sparkling performances in operetta and lighter lyric roles. Active from the 1940s through the 1970s, she graced the stages of major opera houses, including the Opéra-Comique in Paris, and became a favorite on French radio broadcasts. Her voice, bright and agile, was perfectly suited to the demanding coloratura passages often found in the French repertoire, and she brought a captivating charm to her stage presence. Recordings of her performances, including works like Messager's *Monsieur Beaucaire* and Strauss's *Die Fledermaus* (French title: *La chauve-souris*), preserve the delightful qualities that made her so popular.

Beyond her operetta successes, Berton also explored other genres, singing in oratorios and giving recitals. She championed French song, leaving behind a valuable legacy of recordings that showcase the nuances and beauty of this repertoire. While she may be best remembered for her lighter roles, her versatility and dedication to French music cemented her place as a significant figure in 20th-century vocal performance.