Jules Gressier

Jules Gressier, born on June 24, 1897, in Roubaix, France, was a conductor known for his work with lyric repertoire and operetta. His early career saw him conducting works such as Le Barbier de Séville and Véronique in Toulouse in the early 1926, Gressier became a member of the conducting staff at Nice Opera in 1934 and conducted several premieres, including Malvina by Reynaldo Hahn in March 1935. He was the chief conductor of the Orchestre lyrique de la Radiodiffusion nationale from 1941 to 1951 and made his debut at the Paris Opéra-Comique in 1948 with Mignon. Gressier's recordings, including complete or extended excerpts from operas such as Cendrillon by Jules Massenet (1943) and La Belle Hélène by Jacques Offenbach (1951), showcased his sensitive direction of operetta. He continued his work in lyrical broadcasting until his death on June 27, 1960, in Aix-les-Bains.