Montserrat Figueras i García, a Catalan soprano born in Barcelona on 15 March 1942, dedicated her career to the revival and performance of early music. By bridging the gap between historical singing techniques and modern vitality, she helped establish a distinct approach to the genre that influenced the performing arts landscape throughout her life.
Early Training and Education
Before dedicating herself to music, Figueras received training as an actress. Her formal transition into vocal performance began in 1966 when she commenced studies in early singing techniques alongside her sister, Pilar Figueras. This period of artistic development included enrollment at the City of Basel Music Academy, where she refined the specific vocal methods that would define her professional output.
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In 1974, she co-founded the ensemble Hespèrion XX—later known as Hespèrion XXI—alongside Jordi Savall, Lorenzo Alpert, and Hopkinson Smith. Beyond this foundational group, Figueras and Savall, who had married in 1968, established the performing bodies La Capella Reial de Catalunya and Le Concert des Nations. These organizations served as vehicles for exploring diverse repertoire and historical performance styles.
Performance and Legacy
Figueras maintained a consistent schedule of solo performances and studio recordings throughout her career. Her work often involved collaboration with her husband and their children, Arianna and Ferran. Recognizing her contributions to culture, the French government appointed her a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2003, and she received the Saint George's Cross in 2011. She passed away on 23 November 2011 in Bellaterra following a battle with cancer, with her funeral held at the Monastery of Pedralbes.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 March 1942, Barcelona
- Died: 23 November 2011, Bellaterra
- Primary field: Early music
- Key ensemble: Hespèrion XXI
- Spouse: Jordi Savall
- Education: City of Basel Music Academy
- Awards: Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (2003); Saint George's Cross (2011)
- Burial site: Monastery of Pedralbes
Questions readers ask
What vocal specialty defined the career of Montserrat Figueras?
She was a soprano who specialized in the performance and interpretation of early music.
Which major musical ensembles did she help establish?
She co-founded Hespèrion XX (later Hespèrion XXI), La Capella Reial de Catalunya, and Le Concert des Nations.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: early music
