Opera Scotland

John Shaw Suggest updates

Born Newcastle, NSW, 12 October 1924.

Died Sydney, 24 February 2003.

Australian baritone.

John Shaw began his professional career with the Australian National Theatre in Melbourne. After his move to London, he made his debut at Covent Garden in 1958, singing the title role in Rigoletto.

He continued to work regularly at the Royal Opera House throughout the rest of his career. His repertoire included many roles by Verdi (Macbeth,  Luna,  Boccanegra,  Anckarström,  Posa,  Amonasro,  Iago,  Ford). He also sang Wagner parts such as Telramund,  Kurwenal,  Donner and  Gunther. Other areas of his repertoire at Covent Garden included Enrico Ashton,  Scarpia,  Tonio in Pagliacci,  Balstrode in Peter Grimes and  Lt Redburn in Billy Budd.

His debut with the Vienna State Opera in 1961 was as Tonio. Appearances in the USA included  Posa,  the Dutchman and  Count Almaviva at Santa Fe, He also worked in Geneva and back in Australia.