Open Features: Charles Santly
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Charles Santly who was knighted for his services to music.
Born
28th February 1834 in Liverpool.
Adolescence
Studied in Milan and London.
Adult Life
Opera debut Pavia 1857 as The Doctor in Traviata. Covent Garden debut 1859. Sang in various opera companies, creating roles by Wallace, Balfe & Benedict. He sang Valentine in the English premiere of Gounod's Faust in 1863. He sang at La Scala Milan 1865 -. He first sang Don Giovanni in Manchester 1868. He also created the title role in Wager's Der Flieglende Hollander London 1870.
From 1877 he sang only in oratorios, especially Elijah and festivals. He wrote books on singing and his autobiography. He was knighted in 1907.
He died 22nd September 1922 in London aged 88.
