Van Rooy, Anton

1869-

Born at Rotterdam; this distinguished basso was engaged in business until his twenty-sixth year. He received most of his musical instruction from Stockhausen at Frankfort. His first public appearances were in concert and he gained a fine reputation as a singer of ballads and oratorio. In 1897 he attracted the attention of Frau Wagner, who called him to Bayreuth. There his great parts were Amfortas and Wotan, particularly the latter, in which he distinguished himself. The next year he sang successfully in German Opera in London, and the following year, 1899, in America. In New York he was a member of Grau's Opera Company and was well received. He has since become a great favorite.