Allen, Henry Robinson

1809-1876

Celebrated Irish dramatic singer, in later life a teacher and composer. He was the author of the two popular ballads, The Maid of Athens and When We Two Parted. Allen was born in Cork, studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London, and made his debut in London, in 1831, but did not attract general attention until 1842, when he appeared at the Drury Lane Theatre as Damon in Acis and Galatea. He was engaged several years at the Princess Theatre, sang in Don Giovanni, Otello, La Barcarole and other operas, and was highly esteemed both as a singer and an actor. After his retirement, which took place early, he turned his attention to teaching and composing.