JOSEPH HISLOP.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19159, 16 November 1927, Page 7

JOSEPH HISLOP.

SEASON OPENS TUESDAY. Among the many romantic histories of famous singers that of Joseph Hislop, the celebrated tenor, who is to give a Eeries of concerts in the Theatre Royal, commencing nest Tuesday, is perhaps unique by reason of the fact that he hailß from a country which, hitherto, has had little or no share in making operatic history. He is a Scot, and the romantic traditions of his race give an added interest to the story of his career. Born in Edinburgh, the now famous singer commenced life in the photo-process and engraving business in his native city, and although h'e had sung in the choir of St. Mary's Cathedral as a boy, he entertained at that time no aspirations towards operatic fame. It was in Sweden that he reached the turning point in his career. The a musical race, and Hislop came into touch with 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 study in singing. After three years in the care of Dr. Bratt, Hislop was accepted as a pupil in the Royal School of Opera, an unusual honour for a foreigner. The School of Opera is attached to the Rdyal Opera House of Stockholm, and it was here that Hislop made his debut in 1914, singing the title role in "Faust." His succesß 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 "Literis et Artibus" upon him. His succesß in Stockholm was repeated throughout Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, where he sang in the various opera houses twenty of the leading opera tenor roles. Then followed a period of study in Italy, and, having gained fresh laurels at the famous La Scala Opera House in Milan, and at Naples, he returned to England _to sing at Covent Garden, where he met immense success. Since, Hislop has sung in various parts of the world, including most of the principal cities of America and Canada. Th. purity and beauty of his voice, which critics have likened to Caruso's, and his charming personality, have made him a favourite wherever lie has appeared. The preferential bos plans are showins a healthy appearance at The Bristol.