Hervey Alan

Hervey Alan (22 February 1910, Whitstable - 12 January 1982, Croydon) was an English operatic bass and voice teacher. During his career he sang leading roles with most of Great Britain's major opera institutions, including the Edinburgh Festival, the Glyndebourne Festival, the Royal Opera House, the Sadler's Wells Opera, and the Welsh National Opera. He is best known for creating the role of Mr. Redburn in the world premiere of Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd at the Royal Opera House, London, on 1 December 1951. Music critic Elizabeth Forbes wrote that his voice was "dark toned, resonant", and "especially effective as Zaccaria in Nabucco.

After retiring from opera performance in 1963, Alan continued to appear as a concert singer up until his death. He also taught on the voice faculty at the Royal College of Music and worked as a lay vicar at Westminster Abbey.

Born in Whitstable, Alan first studied engineering at Medway University Technical College before pursuing studies in vocal music in London with Percival Driver, Mabel Kelly, and celebrated baritone Roy Henderson. He made his professional debut singing live on BBC Radio in 1935. His initial singing career was spent performing as a concert singer and recitalist. Early performances in his career included George Frideric Handel's Utrecht Te Deum and Jubilate with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Composer Armstrong Gibbs notably created his art songs Chloris in the Snow and Amaryllis for him in 1949.

...
Wikipedia