Description

OCTAVE DUA (GHENT, 28 FEBRUARY, 1882 – BRUSSELS, 8 MARCH, 1952)

 

 

 

 

Dua had a successful career as a comprimario singer. His real name was Leo van der Haegen. He made his debut at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels in 1907, performing the role of Jeník in Smetana’s The Bartered Bride. From 1915 to 1922, he enjoyed significant success at the Chicago Opera House. Between 1919 and 1921, he was part of the ensemble at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

In 1921–1922, he returned to the Chicago Opera House, now under the management of Mary Garden. On December 30, 1921, he appeared there in the premiere of Sergei Prokofiev’s L’amour des trois oranges, singing the role of Truffaldino. However, during his time in New York in 1920, he underwent a nasal operation and tragically lost an eye.

Dua achieved his greatest success at Covent Garden in London, where he performed from 1924 to 1931 and again from 1934 to 1939. Notably, in 1919, he participated in the London premiere of Maurice Ravel’s L’Heure espagnole. He also returned to the Chicago Opera House for the 1931–1932 season.

Beginning in 1926, he expanded his career into stage management, initially in Brussels and later in Ghent, contributing to the operatic arts both on and off the stage.

 

Chronlogy of some appearances

 

1907 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie The Bartered Bride (Jenik)

1921 Chicago Opera House L’amour trois oranges (Truffaldino)

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

1. Carmen (Bizet) Diese Menge im Gedränge with Katherine Arkandy Electrola 5-0595 CR 1416 II
2. Een vrouwken die gezwind te spinnen zat (G Antheunis) X-32438 Zonophone, Brussels 15- 3-10
3. Mijn land (Leo van der Haegen) X-32439 Zonophone, Brussels 15- 3-10
4. Ik ken een lied (de Mol) 9586, 50119 Pathé, Bruxelles 1907
5. Otello (Verdi) Inaffia l’ugola (w. Cilla and Inghilleri) D1698 2-054312 HMV, London 1929-06-19
6. Otello (Verdi) Inaffia l’ugola (w. Noto, Cilla and chorus) 2-054164 HMV, London 1926-06-17 (actual performance)
7. ‘t vergeet mij niet (Tyssens) 9589, 50119 Pathé, Bruxelles 1907
8. Tosca (Puccini) Te Deum (w. Inghilleri) Electrola 2-052426 CR 2422 I