Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to a great Canadian opera singer, the late Mr. Louis Quilico who passed away at the age of 75 last July 15 from a heart attack. Mr. Quilico was one of the most celebrated baritones of his generation.
Born in Montreal of a Quebecois mother and an Italian father, Mr. Quilico made his first foray into opera at the Opera Guild of Montreal and spent 25 years at the Metropolitan Opera in New York as well as other great stages of the world.
He is recognized for the exceptional quality of his performances and the strength of his voice.
In addition, Mr. Quilico taught music at the University of Toronto and the University of Montreal where he also taught Gino, his son, who would later play in many operas with his father.
In 1974 Mr. Quilico was named Companion of the Order of Canada. Last year he received a Governor General's award in the performing arts.
Mr. Quilico contributed in an extraordinary way to Canadian music and to opera as a whole. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to thank Mr. Quilico and offer my sincere condolences to his loved ones.