Pears, Sir Peter (1910-1986), was an English opera and concert singer of international repute. He developed a technique that made sensitive use of his tenor voice. In 1936, Pears met the British composer Benjamin Britten. Pears achieved fame with his performances in works by Britten. Pears was particularly successful creating the title role in Britten's opera Peter Grimes (1945). Pears also sang in the premieres of several other Britten operas and vocal works. In addition, Pears was a noted interpreter of the songs of the German composers Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann.