Roy Henderson; Baritone Known for Singing Delius’ Music

Roy Henderson, 100, one of England’s most distinguished baritones in the 1930s and 1940s, known for his performances of Frederick Delius’ work. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Henderson studied at the Royal Academy of Music. He got his first major break when he was asked on short notice to sing the role of Zarathustra in Delius’ “Mass of Life” at a Royal Philharmonic concert in 1925. Delius was so happy with his performance that he paid Henderson a high compliment, sending him a photograph signed, “To the unequaled interpreter of Zarathustra.” From then on he was regarded as the ideal Delius baritone and virtually monopolized the baritone solo in the Delius Mass until 1946. He sang at the leading festivals in England, including principal parts in all Glyndebourne Opera Festivals. He was also known as an interpreter of the works of Elgar and Vaughan Williams, and founded and conducted the Nottingham Oriana Choir. In 1952 he retired from singing to teach. The late Kathleen Ferrier, one of Britain’s most revered classical singers, was one of his pupils. A CD titled “Roy Henderson Centenary Recital” was released last year, one month after he turned 100. On Thursday at the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund home near London.