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Dermot TroyIrish lyric tenor
Date of Birth: 31.07.1927
Country:  Ireland |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Dermot Troy, an Irish lyric tenor renowned for his Mozart repertoire, was born on July 31, 1927, in Tinahely, County Wicklow. Raised in Inchicore, a Dublin suburb, Troy enlisted in the Royal Air Force as a young man in 1945. He was demobilized in 1948 with a significant hearing loss in his right ear caused by an explosion.
Rise to Prominence
In 1952, Troy entered a nationwide singing competition inspired by the film "The Great Caruso." He won the regional competition in Ireland and advanced to the finals in England, where he placed second. This garnered him recognition, leading to engagements in England and vocal lessons with renowned Italian tenor Dino Borgioli, who directed the New Opera Company of London's vocal training program.
Breakthrough
Troy's major breakthrough came in 1958 when he was asked to sing leading tenor roles at the Mannheim State Opera. In 1960, he had a significant opportunity to perform at the prestigious Hamburg State Opera.
Health Challenges and Later Career
In June 1961, at the age of 33, Troy suffered a heart attack due to his heavy smoking. He underwent rehabilitation in Dublin and returned to perform in Hamburg in April 1962. However, he had another heart attack in September 1962, and on September 6, 1962, he passed away.
Musical Legacy
Despite his relatively short career, Dermot Troy left behind a remarkable discography. His voice can be heard in EMI's recording of Richard Strauss's "Capriccio" and in a live performance of Hector Berlioz's "Les Troyens" in 1957. He also recorded Mozart's "Zaïde," selections from Thomas Moore's "Melodies," and several popular songs.
