Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

June 23, 1927 in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland

Death

:

April 9, 2010 in Lake Tahoe, CA

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Kenneth McKellar was a Scottish tenor who became one of the most popular classical music artists of the 20th century. Born on June 23, 1927, in Paisley, Scotland, McKellar grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer. McKellar began singing in his church choir at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. After completing his education, McKellar worked as a teacher for a few years before deciding to pursue a career in music. He studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow and later at the Royal College of Music in London. McKellar's voice was a lyric tenor, and he was known for his clear, pure tone and his ability to convey emotion through his singing. McKellar's career took off in the 1950s when he began performing on BBC radio and television. He quickly became a favorite of audiences, and his recordings of traditional Scottish songs and classical music became bestsellers. McKellar's popularity extended beyond Scotland and the UK, and he toured extensively throughout Europe, North America, and Australia. One of McKellar's most significant performances was at the Edinburgh Festival in 1959. He sang the role of the Evangelist in Bach's St. Matthew Passion, which was conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. The performance was a critical and commercial success and helped establish McKellar as a leading classical music artist. McKellar also performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. He sang with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his performances, McKellar was also a prolific recording artist. He recorded over 30 albums during his career, including collections of Scottish folk songs, classical music, and Christmas carols. His recording of "The Skye Boat Song" became a hit in the UK and helped popularize Scottish music around the world. McKellar received many awards and honors during his career. In 1962, he was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also awarded the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in 1996. In 2001, he was inducted into the Scottish Music Hall of Fame. McKellar retired from performing in the 1990s but continued to be involved in music. He served as the president of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and was a patron of several music organizations. He also wrote a memoir, "The Kenneth McKellar Story," which was published in 2000. Kenneth McKellar passed away on April 9, 2010, at the age of 82. He left behind a legacy as one of the most beloved classical music artists of his time. His recordings and performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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