Harold Williams

Harold Williams was born in Sydney in 1893 and died there in 1976. After showing much aptitude for sport he became a professional singer and after war service moved to London, where he studied with Charles Philips. He made his Wigmore Hall début in 1919 and established a reputation as a leading concert singer, specialising in oratorio.

Grove* says he was chiefly admired for his “even and virile tone, incisive enunciation and exemplary phrasing”. He also appeared in several major operatic roles, was a regular at the Proms for thirty years, and sang solos at the coronations of both King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.