THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19156, 12 November 1927, Page 9

THEATRE ROYAL.

JOSEPH HISLOP. Among the. many romantic histories of famous singers that of Joseph Hislop, the celebrated tenor, who is coming to the Theatre Koyal on Tuesday and Thursday, November •.'2nd and 24th, is perhaps unique bv reason of the fact that he hails from a countrv. v.-hich, hitherto, has had little or no share I in making operatic history. He is a Scot, and the romantic traditions of his race give :>n added interest to the storv of his career. Born in Edinburgh, the now famous singer commenced on leaving school in the photoprocess and engraving business in his native city, and although he had sung in the choir ot St. Mary's Cathedral as a boy, he entertained at that time no aspirations toward operatic fame. It was in Sweden that he reached the turning point in his career. The Swedes are a musical race, and Hislop came into touch wiili many who were interested in singing. .At a smoking concert one night in Stockholm at which he was singing was Dr. Bratt. a noted voice specialist in the city. The Professor was greatly impressed by the young Scotsman's voice and realising its possibilities induced him to abandon business and take a course of studv in singing. After three years in the care of Dr. Bratt, Hislop was accepted ns a pupil in the Royal School of Opera, an unusual honour for a foreigner. The School of Opera is attached to the Koyal Opera House of Stockholm, and it was here that Hislop made his debut in 1914, singing the title role in "Faust." His success was so great that he was immediately engaged as principal tenor. It was after singing in "La Boheme" at the Stockholm Royal Opera that the King of Sweden, who was present, conferred the decoration of "Uteris et Artibus" upon him. ' His success in Stockholm was repeated throughout Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, where he sang in the various opera houses, some 20 of the leading tenor roles. Then tollowcd a period of study in Italy, and, having gained fresh laurels at the famous La Scala Opera House in Milan, and at Naples, ho returned to England to sing at Covent Garden, where ho met immense success, Since, Hislop has sung in variuos parts of the world, including most of the principal cities of America and Canada. The purity and beauty of his voice, which critics have likened to Caruso's, and his charming personality, have made him a favourite wherever he has appeared. The box pbn for the prefential booking opens on Tuesday at The Bristol.