THE D'OYLY CARTE OPERA COMPANY

William Palmerley

William Palmerley (1955-57, 1970-76)

[Born Dewsbury, Yorkshire 4 Jun 1923, died Wellingborough, Northamptonshire 3 Mar 2013]

Tenor William Palmerley studied under Parry Jones at the Guildhall School of Music before joining the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company chorus in February 1955. He shared the small role of the Associate in Trial by Jury with George Cook in the 1955-56 season, had the role to himself from May 1956 until June 1957, and also filled in on occasion as First Yeoman in The Yeomen of the Guard during the 1956-57 season. Palmerley left the D'Oyly Carte in June 1957 to sing in grand opera with the Carl Rosa Company.

Over the next eleven years he had a varied career, appearing in opera at Covent Garden and elsewhere, in West End musicals such as Camelot, in pantomime, and even with an ice show which toured in South Africa. After a season with the Scottish National Opera he rejoined the D'Oyly Carte chorus in March 1970. He reclaimed the Associate in September 1972, retaining the part for the rest of his D'Oyly Carte career. He remained with the Company until July 1976. Palmerley was the subject of a rare (for a chorister) in-depth profile, "If You Want to Know Who We Are," in the January 1976 issue of The Savoyard.

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