Charles Santley by Whitlock

Charles Santley (1834-1922); English baritone.

In 1855 he started his vocal studies with Gaetano Nava in Milan and then continued them in London with Manuel Garcia. In 1857 he made his debut in London as a soloist in Haydn's "Die Schöpfung". His opera stage debut was in 1857 at Pavia as Dr. Grenvil in Verdi's "La Traviata". He then made guest appearances in Italy, France (Grand-Opéra Paris) and England (Covent Garden London). In 1863 he sang at Her Majesty's Theatre the role of Valentin in the English première of Gounod's "Faust" in the presence of the composer. In 1864 he sang at the same theatre the English première of Gounod's "Mireille" and Nicolai's "Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor". In 1870 he sang at Drury Lane Theatre the role of the Dutchman in the English première of Wagner's "Der fliegende Holländer". In the years 1871/91 he undertook glorious tours in the USA. He made further guest appearances at "La Scala" in Milan and at the "Teatro Liceo" in Barcelona. He was one of the most important oratorium singers of his generation. In 1907 he was knighted ("Sir") for his 50 year anniversary; he was the first singer to receive this honour. In 1911 he gave his farewell performance at Covent Garden in Dibdin's "The Waterman". His voice was recorded ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3a5RsN_dtY ).