Baillie, Isobel (1895–1983)
Baillie, Isobel (1895–1983)
Scottish soprano. Name variations: Dame Isobel Baillie. Born in Hawick, Scotland, in 1895; died in 1983; attended Manchester High School and studied with Guglielmo Somma in Milan, 1925–26.
Known for her high, pure tone, Scottish soprano Dame Isobel Baillie made her first public appearance at age 15. Following her inaugural London season in 1923, she was one of England's most sought after singers for the works of Handel, Haydn, Brahms, and Elgar, and especially noted for her singing in Handel's Messiah, Gluck's Orphée, and her recording of "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth." Baillie was also one of the first British opera stars to sing at the Hollywood Bowl (1933). She gave many performances of Gounod's Faust in New Zealand; made frequent appearances with the Royal Choral Society; and sang for 26 years with the Hallé orchestra. Though she retired from the stage in the late 1950s, Baillie went on to teach at the Royal College of Music (1955–57, 1961–64), Cornell University (1960–61), and Manchester College of Music. Named Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1951, she was also made Dame of the British Empire (DBE) in 1978. Her autobiography Never Sing Louder than Lovely was published in 1982.