THE D'OYLY CARTE OPERA COMPANY

George Hirwen as Nanki-Poo in The Mikado

George Hirwen (1887-88)

[Born Llandygwydd, Cardiganshire, Wales c.1857, died Kensington, London 13 Jan 1928]

Welsh tenor George Hirwen gained his earliest successes at the Eisteddfod Festival, then became a student at the Royal Academy of Music where he earned bronze and silver medals for singing.

From April 1887 to February 1888 he toured Germany, Austria, and Holland with D'Oyly Carte's Continental Company, appearing as Ralph Rackstraw in H.M.S. Pinafore, the Duke of Dunstable in Patience, and Nanki-Poo in The Mikado, the latter part shared with Charles Campbell.

Upon his return to Great Britain, he left the theatre for the concert stage. As Hirwen Jones, he achieved success at the Worcester Festival, and was as a result in constant demand for music festival engagements. He toured with Adelina Patti, and was on the farewell tour of Madame Janet Patey, which ended tragically in her death in 1894.

Hirwen Jones was also a recording artist. His April 1903 G&T rendition of "Veneziana" my be heard on YouTube.

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