Collier, Frederic (singer), 1885-1964

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Frederick Redmond Collier (1885-1964), was a bass baritone singer who was born in Collingwood, Melbourne. On stage he was known as Frederic. In the war years he took part in patriotic concerts including a series with Dame Nellie Melba in aid of the Red Cross. He appeared frequently with the Melbourne Philharmonic and the Royal Victorian Liedertafel, and in January 1919 Collier joined the Rigo Grand Opera Company which was taken over later that year by J. C. Williamson Limited - Collier toured Australasia as the company's principal baritone. In 1921 Collier joined the British National Opera Company, where he became known for his Wagnerian roles, both bass and baritone. In 1926 he studied in Milan and sang in the international season of grand opera at Covent Garden in which Melba starred. In 1928-34 he toured Britain as a member of the Carl Rosa Opera Company, and returned to Melbourne in 1934 and was engaged for Sir Benjamin Fuller's season of grand opera. In 1935-36 he sang in the Australian Broadcasting Commission's grand opera season. On 26 December 1940 he joined the A.B.C.'s Melbourne Wireless Chorus (later Melbourne Singers). In 1940 and 1944 he was with the National Opera Company for short seasons. Link to catalogue record.

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