Joseph Hislop

b. 1884    d. 1977

Edinburgh-born Joseph Hislop won fame as one of the world’s leading operatic tenors. He trained in Sweden under Dr Gillis Bratt and was especially in demand for the leading roles in works by Puccini, who famously called him “My ideal Rodolfo”. He appeared with some of the most famous singers of his era, including Gigli, Galli Curci, Melba, Tetrazzini and Chaliapin. The latter particularly praised his talent.

After retiring from active stage work, Hislop returned to Sweden to become a tutor to many of the world’s great opera stars, including Birgit Nilsson, Irmgard Seefried and Jussi Bjorling. He came back to Britain and was principal tenor at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and then became consultant to the Royal Opera and Saddler’s Wells. He was on the teaching staff at the Guildhall School of Music where he taught many of the finest young british singers and teachers including Kenneth Ormston.

He was married to Nancy Fraser, daughter of Walter Passmore.

Recordings of his Scottish song arrangements will be posted soon.