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Born: August 23, 1926 - Chicago, Illinois, USA
Died: August 25, 2019 - Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA |
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The American bass and music pedagogue, Herbert (Wilson) Beattie, studied voice with John Wilcox at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and with Dick Marzolo in New York. After high school he entered the US Navy to train as a pilot. However, the war ended and instead he used the GI Bill for a college music degree. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Colorado College (1948), and his Master of Music degree from Westminster Choir College (1950). He also studied at the Salzburg Mozarteum (1955).
In October 1957 Herbert Beattie made his debut at the New York City Opera as Baron Douphol in La Traviata, where he sang regularly until 1972 and again from 1980 to 1984. He also sang opera in other cities in the USA and Europe, and toured as a concert artist. He was a world renowned operatic bass with a wonderful voice. Among his roles were W.A. Mozart’s Osmin, Sarastro, Leporello, and Don Alfonso, and Rossini’s Dr. Bartolo and Mustafà. He also sang in many contemporary operas.
Herbert Beattie taught at Syracuse University (1950-1952), Pennsylvania State University (1952-1953), the University of Buffalo (1953-1958), and the Hofstra University as a full Professor (1959-1982).
In addition to singing and teaching, Herbert Beattie was a conductor and director of operas, and a composer. After "retiring", he recorded radio ads for 35 years for Graham Oleson and Windstar Studios.
Herbert Beattie died on August 25, 2019 in Colorado Springs, aged 93. He was survived by his wife Laurie (Lorck) Beattie, children Kurt (Marrianne) Beattie, Lynn (Mike) Conaway, Mark (Terri) Beattie, Dawn (Jay) Maloney, Cameron (Carrie) Beattie, five granddaughters, and three great grandchildren. |
