Ernest van Dyck

Ernest van Dyck (April 2, 1861 - August 31, 1923) was a Belgian dramatic tenor.

A native of Antwerp, van Dyck studied both law and journalism before deciding to become an opera singer. He studied in Paris with Saint Yves-Bax before making his debut at the Théâtre Eden on May 3, 1887; the occasion marked the French premiere of "Lohengrin". Intensive study with Felix Mottl followed before he appeared as Parsifal in Bayreuth in 1888, with great success. The Vienna Opera soon engaged him, and he remained with the company for a decade, also making guest appearances throughout Europe; among these, he featured in the world premiere of Wilhelm Kienzl's "Der Evangelimann" in London in 1897. Van Dyck made his American debut on November 29, 1898, singing Tannhäuser at the Metropolitan Opera. He stayed in New York City until the 1901-02 season, singing not only Wagner roles but also parts in French operas. In 1907 he managed a season of German opera at Covent Garden, and in 1914 he appeared in the first Parisian performance of "Parsifal".

Van Dyck died in Berlaer-Lez-Lierre in 1923.

References

*David Ewen, "Encyclopedia of the Opera: New Enlarged Edition". New York; Hill and Wang, 1963.