Hubert Raidich (Bass) (Verviers, Belgium 1885 - ? 1979)

Mefistofele

                                                             Mefistofele

He studied singing with his older brother, who was a "Chef du chant" at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. He made his debut in 1913 at the Théâtre Municipal in Douai. Already in 1914 he was engaged by the Opera House in Toulouse, when he was drawn to the war service in the First World War. After a wound in the war, he went to London, where he could continue his education and was promoted by the known singer Clara Butt. In 1918 he sang in a concert at the Albert Hall in London. After ending of the war he returned to Brussels and became a member of the Théâtre de la Monnaie, to which he belonged till 1927. Here he appeared in parts like the Zuniga in ''Carmen'', Nilakantha in ''Lakmé'', Le Comte des Grieux in ''Manon'', prior in ''Le jongleur de Notre Dame'', father in ''Louise'', Kadi in ''Marouf'', Don Basilio in ''Il Barbiere di Siviglia'', Ramphis in ''Aida'', Colline in ''La Bohème'', Angelotti in ''Tosca'' and Betto di Signa in ''Gianni Schicchi''. In 1927 he undertook a tour through the USA and Canada. Afterwards he gave guest performances in opera theaters in France, however, came back again in the USA and sang in the 1935-1936 season at the Metropolitan Opera some parts, like Wagner in ''Faust'' (beginning part), Antonio in ''Mignon'' and Count Ceprano in ''Rigoletto''.

Chronology of some appearances

1913 Douai Théâtre Municipal
1914 Toulouse Opera House
1919-1927 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie

RECORDING FOR SALE

Victor
Lakmé (Delibes): Stances CVE-59550