Watts, Helen (1927–)

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Watts, Helen (1927–)

Welsh contralto. Born Dec 7, 1927, in Milford Haven, southwest Wales; studied under Caroline Hatchard and Frederick Jackson at Royal Academy of Music in London.

Known chiefly for oratorio and opera roles, was also an interpreter of lieder and 20th-century songs; debuted in choruses at Glyndebourne Festival and BBC; gave 1st solo performance (1953); performed Bach arias under baton of Sir Malcolm Sargent at London Promenade Concerts (1955), the spring-board for a successful concert career on European and North American circuits; embarked on an opera career as Didymus in Theodora with Handel Opera Society (1958) and regularly performed with the society for next 6 years; debuted at Salzburg Festival as 1st Maid in Elektra; made American debut in A Mass of Life (1966); also appeared most notably as Lucretia during a tour of Russia with English Opera Group, as the 1st Norn in Götterdammerung in debut at Covent Garden (1965), and as Mistress Quickly at Welsh National Opera (1969), where she enjoyed a long run as a leading member until her retirement in 1983. Named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1978).

See also Women in World History.