“Imagine,” a voice echoes, “if streets could sing.” Here on Rue Georges Thill, that’s not far from the truth. This street in the 19th arrondissement of Paris is named after Georges Thill, a celebrated French tenor.
Rue Georges Thill stretches a modest 158 meters. It is a pedestrian street offering a tranquil escape. The street runs from 73 bis Rue Petit to 168 Avenue Jean-Jaurès.
Georges Thill, born in Paris in 1897, loved opera from an early age. Even military service during World War I couldn’t extinguish his passion. After being demobilized in 1918, he auditioned for the Paris Conservatory. Despite admission, he felt frustrated struggling to fully harness his voice.
A turning point arrived in 1921. Thill sought guidance from Fernando De Lucia. De Lucia was a renowned Neapolitan tenor and professor. Under De Lucia’s tutelage, Thill made remarkable progress. He strengthened his lower register. He improved his breath control and diction. This two-year apprenticeship proved invaluable. Thill could effortlessly tackle tenor roles. His flexible voice spanned two octaves. He could even interpret characters leaning towards the baritone range.
Thill made his mark at the Paris Opera. He left his imprint on numerous French operas. These included Thaïs by Massenet, Faust by Gounod, and Carmen by Bizet. From 1928 to 1946, he graced the stages of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Covent Garden in London. Teatro Real in Gand. La Scala in Milan. The Monte-Carlo Opera. His tours across South and North America and Europe garnered rave reviews. He often delighted audiences with operetta arias and songs.
Rue Georges Thill was created as part of the Hainaut development. Initially known as “voie EA/19,” it received its current name by municipal decree in 1998. In 2018, Rue Georges Thill underwent improvements. Flowerbeds were added. Local residents now maintain these plants.
Today, the Rue Georges Thill is more than just a street. It is a tribute to a great artist. The street serves as a reminder of the power of dedication. It also reminds of the transformative impact of mentorship. As you stroll along this pedestrian street consider the echoes of Georges Thill’s voice. Feel his passion resonate through the very stones beneath your feet.