| Biography | Durward Lely (2 September 1852 29 February 1944) was a Scottish opera singer primarily known as the creator of five tenor roles in Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operas, including Nanki-Poo in The Mikado.
After studying singing in Italy, Lely began his opera career in 1878, at Her Majesty's Theatre, as Don José in Carmen. After two years of touring in opera, he joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1880, soon becoming their leading tenor. He began there in the role of Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance and went on to create five roles in the famous series of Savoy operas. He remained with the company until 1887.
After this, Lely resumed a grand opera and concert career, appearing often with Adelina Patti, performing frequently at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and touring with the Carl Rosa Opera Company among others. Late in his career, he appeared in the 1911 film of Rob Roy. Lely outlived nearly all of the singers with whom he had performed at the Savoy Theatre |