Genre

:

Opera

 

Derek Oldham was a renowned English tenor who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music during the early 20th century. Born on March 16, 1887, in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, England, Oldham was the son of a coal miner. Despite his humble beginnings, he showed a keen interest in music from a young age and began singing in local choirs and church groups. Oldham's talent was soon recognized, and he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London. There, he received training in voice and music theory under the tutelage of renowned teachers such as Sir Charles Santley and Sir Hubert Parry. He also had the opportunity to perform in various concerts and operas, which helped him gain valuable experience and exposure. Oldham made his professional debut in 1910, singing the role of the Duke in Verdi's Rigoletto at the Royal Opera House in London. His performance was well-received, and he soon became a sought-after tenor, performing in various operas and concerts across the UK and Europe. One of Oldham's most notable performances was in the 1913 premiere of Ralph Vaughan Williams' opera, Hugh the Drover. The opera, which tells the story of a young couple's love during the English Civil War, was a critical and commercial success, and Oldham's performance as the lead tenor was widely praised. He went on to perform in several other operas by Vaughan Williams, including The Poisoned Kiss and Sir John in Love. Oldham's career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War I, during which he served in the British Army. He was wounded in action and spent several months recovering in hospital. After the war, he resumed his singing career and continued to perform in operas and concerts across Europe. In 1924, Oldham made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, singing the role of Don Ottavio in Mozart's Don Giovanni. His performance was well-received, and he went on to perform in several other productions at the Met, including La Bohème, Faust, and Tosca. Oldham's career continued to flourish throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and he became known for his powerful voice and dramatic stage presence. He also made several recordings, including a highly acclaimed version of Handel's Messiah. One of Oldham's most memorable performances was in the 1937 coronation concert for King George VI. He sang the famous aria "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's Turandot, which was broadcast live to millions of listeners around the world. The performance was a highlight of Oldham's career and cemented his reputation as one of the greatest tenors of his time. Oldham continued to perform well into his 50s, but his career was cut short by the outbreak of World War II. He served in the Royal Air Force during the war and was later appointed as a music director for the British Forces Broadcasting Service. After the war, Oldham retired from performing and settled in Sussex, where he lived until his death in 1968. He was remembered as a talented and dedicated musician who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1953. In conclusion, Derek Oldham was a talented and accomplished tenor who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music during the early 20th century.

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