Charles-François Duvernoy by Thiebault

Charles-François Duvernoy (1796-1872); French bass-baritone.

After his vocal studies at the Conservatoire National Paris he made his debut in 1821 at the Théâtre Feydeau, that was affiliated with the Opéra-Comique. The following years he was engaged by various French provincial theaters and he made guest appearances in Belgium and Holland. In 1843 he was engaged by the Opéra-Comique where he remained until 1867. In his first years he mainly sang baritone-roles, but he gradually changed to bass-buffo roles. He combined the final years of his singing career with an appointment as vocal pedagogue at the Conservatoire National Paris.

His son (and pupil) Edmond Duvernoy (1844-1927) was also a well known baritone and was married to the opera singer Adèle Franck-Cahn.