JOSEPH HISLOP

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 187, 28 October 1927, Page 15

JOSEPH HISLOP

SEASON OPENS THURSDAY Among- the many romantic histories of famous singers that of Joseph Hislop, the celebrated tenor, who is to commence a concert tour of New Zealand in the Auckland Town Hall next Thursday, is perhaps unique by reason of the fact that he hails 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 on leaving school in the photo-process and engraving business in his native city, and although he had sun in the choir of 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 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 Royal 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 prinicpal 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 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 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. 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. On his arrival at Auckland on Tuesday morning Mr. Hislop will be welcomed by members of the St. Andrew’s Scottish Society and representative Auckland musicians. The box plan is now open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd.