Whitney, Myron W.

1836-

 

Well-known American basso, whose best work has been done in oratorio and concert-singing. He was born at Ashby, Mass., and at sixteen years of age went to Boston, where he studied under E. H. Frost for six years. He made his first appearance in The Messiah, given by the Handel and Haydn Society. After singing in concerts for ten years he went to Italy and placed himself under Vannuccini at Florence, later studying in London under Randegger. He then made a tour of Great Britain and won a name for himself in the role of Elijah at a Birmingham Festival. His success increased, and in 1876 he returned to America, where he has since remained. He was the only soloist at the opening of the Centennial Exhibition in 1876. His reputation in this country is unexcelled; possibly he is best known through his work in May Festivals in the principal cities and in the two seasons he traveled with the Thomas Orchestra. Mr. Whitney retired from the stage several years ago and has since taught singing in Boston.