Death of a formative English soprano, 96
RIPThe wonderful English soprano April Cantelo has died in Oxfordshire at the age of 96.
A pupil of Britten’s associate Joan Cross, Cantelo sang in the Glyndebourne chorus before gaining roles at Covent Garden and Sadlers Wells. Among many premieres, she sang Jenny in the first UK staging of Kurt Weill’s Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. Her voice, lyrical but never large, was admired for its beauty and precision.
In 1949, she married the rising conductor Colin Davis. They had two children and divorced in 1964.
Cantelo went on to teach three generations of British singers and was greatly loved for her gentle ways.
When the artist Ruth Swain wanted to title a late portrait ‘soprano’, she said: ‘Better call it lady with two sticks’.
Sad news, not only was she a marvellous singer but she also supported Colin Davis whilst he was struggling to advance his career. She gave up a great deal for him but his treatment towards her once he started to build his career was shameful.
Not just a truly fine soprano who created many works as well as excelling in every kind of repertoire, April Cantelo was the most wonderful coach for singers. She brought immense musical and artistic culture along with fine singing technique to our repertoire classes.
Mozart roles at Glyndebourne, early music with the Alfred Deller consort and Handel with the Handel Opera Society, operas by Williamson , Henze, Britten, Wagner’s Das Liebesverbot , a huge repertoire of oratorios and song. I came across a broadcast of her singing in an Ivor Novello song concert recently.
How many other singers would have the resources to tackle not only a huge range of works , but to tackle them well and in the most distinguished company?
My own favourite amongst her recordings is the Grieg Peer Gynt with Sir Alexander Gibson conducting. Her singing of the two Solveig songs being particularly fine.
She will be warmly remembered by her past students for her kindness, always supportive and willing to give honest , helpful advice when asked.
Her sense of fun as she sang at a musical afternoon she organized for students Pinsuti’s ‘ Pretty Little Primrose Flower’ with tongue in cheek, gently sending herself up, was a delight.
She will be remembered fondly by former students and the many professional singers she advised.
I loved April Cantelo. Warm, humourous, self effacing and immensely talented, I loved playing for her lessons at the RNCM in the 1980s. She produced beautiful, unforced voices and was held in great esteem and affection by all who knew her there. Another legend passes. RIP and thank you.
I had the privilege of working with April Cantelo when a student playing for singing classes. Lovely, kind lady. RIP
I remember seeing April Cantelo, on tour at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, in Britten’s A Midsummer night’s dream with EOG in 1971. Lovely.
I loved her singing on Handel’s ‘Ode for St Ceciia’s day.’ The definitive recording.
Bravo! Congratulations for an outstanding career in music! It’s just the singing!
April was a much loved visiting singing teacher at the Colchester School of Music when I was there in the 70s – along with Nancy Evans and Eileen Poulter. May she rest in peace.
A dear lady, – cousin April, R.I.P
I knew April as a gardener for her .I loved listening to her teaching at Sutton Courtney .She was a knowledgeable gardener too.
One of the most treasured of English voices. Her recordings will always be a reminder of how special she was. RIP and condolences to her friends and family.
Let’s not forget her contribution to the series of Haydn Masses, the pioneering recordings on Decca, mostly under George Guest. They opened many eyes to this wonderful music.
RIP.
My wonderful teacher who became a friend xx studied with her at the Welsh college of music and drama ..and followed her to Royal Northern college of music to study.She was so kind to me when I became ill and took me in to look after me at her home ..who else would do that !
I got better thanks to April I used to love dog sitting and cat sitting for her beloved pets , and me and colleagues loved her soires..although I did have to get rid of her home made soup into a flower pot
Thank you April for all your love , care , your wonderful voice that never faltered and for all your words of wisdom xx happy happy memories..
Diolch April
cariad mawr
Rhian
She once said to me that she would never hear a word against Britten; when the wretched Colin left her, Britten paid for the two children’s education and was immensely kind to her personally.