Filip Forstén by Dahllöf

Filip Forstén (1852-1932); Finnish baritone.
After his first vocal studies at the Conservatory of Helsinki he debuted here as Figaro in Rossini's "Il barbiere di Siviglia". He then moved to Paris for further vocal studies with Masset. Then to Milan for vocal training with Lamperti and finally to Vienna where Pauline Lucca was his vocal coach. In 1878, he undertook an extensive North American tour. In 1880/82 he appeared in Italian theaters and from 1883 until 1887 he was engaged at the Royal Opera in Stockholm. In 1887 he made guest appearances at Vienna and in 1888 at various theaters in Germany (Berlin, Stuttgart etc.). His most memorable roles were Don Giovanni, Figaro, Amonasro, Count Luna, Mercutio and Escamillo. Since 1894 he was a vocal teacher at the Conservatory of the city of Vienna. Before and even during his teaching he developed a successful activity as a concert singer. His many students include: Hermann Gallos, Alfred Poell, Margaret Michalek, Fanny Cleve, Viorica Ursuleac, Alexandra Trianti and Vera Schwarz. The soprano Anna Forstén (1846-1926) was his sister.