Stuart Burrows | |
|---|---|
 Album cover (2009) | |
| Born | (1933-02-07)7 February 1933 Cilfynydd,Pontypridd, Wales |
| Died | 29 June 2025(2025-06-29) (aged 92) Cardiff, Wales |
| Occupation | Operatictenor |
| Spouse | |
James Stuart Burrows (7 February 1933 – 29 June 2025) was a Welsh operatictenor. Adept at oratorios and operas, he earned international recognition and the nickname "King of Mozart" for his focus onMozart operas. He performed regularly at theRoyal Opera House in London from 1967 for 22 years and at theMetropolitan Opera in New York City from 1971 for 12 years. Burrows featured in aBBC television series in the 1980s calledStuart Burrows Sings.
James Stuart Burrows was born on 7 February 1933, the second of the three children of Albert Burrows and Gladys (née Powell), at 19 William Street inCilfynydd, nearPontypridd in South Wales.[1][2][3][a] As a boy, he had a soprano voice and sang from his bedroom window to neighbours on the street below. His first solo performance, at age 10, was in a Christmas concert and he became known for his performances at his local chapel.[1]
A skilledrugby player, he was offered a contract byLeeds Rugby League Club, but at the last minute he decided against taking it.[4] He began his working career as a teacher inBargoed, but after he won a 1954 singing competition, he studied voice simultaneously at theTrinity University College of Carmarthen.[7] He first performed in concerts and recitals.[7]
In 1963, Burrows appeared first at theWelsh National Opera as Ismael in Verdi'sNabucco. His roles there included Rodolfo in Puccini'sLa bohème, Macduff in Verdi'sMacbeth, the Duke in Verdi'sRigoletto, Ernesto in Donizetti'sDon Pasquale and Hans in Smetana'sThe Bartered Bride.[7] In 1967, he was chosen by Stravinsky's for the title role of hisOedipus rex at theAthens Festival which he conducted; it earned the singer international acclaim.[1]
Burrows performed many times over 22 seasons at theRoyal Opera House, where his first role was Beppe in Leoncavallo'sPagliacci in 1967, followed by Fenton in Verdi'sFalstaff and Elvino in Bellini'sLa sonnambula.[7] Major roles there included Tamino in Mozart'sDie Zauberflöte in 1968 and Jack in Tippett'sThe Midsummer Marriage. He toured with the company to Japan and the US. He later performed there Don Ottavio in Mozart'sDon Giovanni and the title role of Gounod'sFaust, in 1974, 1976 and again in 1986.[8]
He appeared at theSan Francisco Opera first in 1967, as Tamino, which was also his first role at theVienna State Opera in 1970. He performed as Don Ottavio at the 1970Salzburg Festival, conducted byHerbert von Karajan.[7]
He first appeared at theMetropolitan Opera in New York City in 1971, as Don Ottavio withCesare Siepi as Don Giovanni. His roles over 12 years included Tamino withEdda Moser as the Queen of the Night, and Belmonte in Mozart'sDie Entführung aus dem Serail withKathleen Battle as Konstanze,[1] Pinkerton in Puccini'sMadama Butterfly, Alfredo in Verdi'sLa traviata, and Faust.[7][9]
He made his debut atLa Scala in Milan in 1978 in the title role of Berlioz'sLa Damnation de Faust.[10] His performances included Don Ottavio atLa Monnaie in Brussels and at theSan Diego Opera, Gounod'sFaust at La Scala, Belmonte at theParis Opéra, the title role inLes contes d'Hoffmann at theCologne Opera and the La Monnaie. He sang in Mozart'sRequiem at the Cardiff Festival of Choirs. His performances inMozart roles earned him the title of a "King of Mozart".[11]
Burrows made television appearances in Australia, North America and Europe,[4] including aBBC television series in the 1980s calledStuart Burrows Sings;[1][4][10] he sang ballads and arias with guests includingIsobel Buchanan,Marie McLaughlin andValerie Masterson.[1]
Burrows received several awards and fellowships, including an Honorary Doctorate from theUniversity of Wales in 1981, a fellowship from Trinity University College in 1989, an honorary fellowship from theUniversity of Wales at Aberystwyth, and an honorary plaque affixed to aLeShuttle locomotive granted byEurotunnel in 1992. In 2007, Burrows was appointed an Officer of theOrder of the British Empire (OBE).[4] He received theFreedom of the Borough ofRhondda Cynon Taf on 31 January 2008.[11]
He also contributed to singers and charitable causes, launching an International Singing Competition and establishing an international voice award at Carmarthen's Trinity College, and was president of various charitable organizations throughout south Wales.[4][8]
Burrows married Enid Lewis in 1957; the couple had two children and were married until her death in 1985.[3] Burrows lived in South Wales, where he enjoyed gardening.[1]
Burrows died following a short illness at a hospice inCardiff, on 29 June 2025, aged 92.[1][3][12] He was described by protégéAled Jones as "the greatest lyric tenor of his generation".[13]
