Hemsley, Thomas (Jeffrey)

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Hemsley, Thomas (Jeffrey) (b Coalville, 1927). Eng. baritone. Stage début London 1951 as Aeneas to Flagstad's Dido. Prin. bar., Aachen Opera 1953–6, Deutsche Oper-am-Rhein 1957–63, Zurich Opera 1963–7; Glyndebourne 1953–61; Bayreuth 1968–70; CG début 1970. Guest singer Scottish Opera, ENO, WNO (1977–85), and Kent Opera. Notable Beckmesser. Created Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Also noted singer in oratorio, cantatas, and of Lieder. Professor of singing at GSMD from 1987. CBE 2000.